Altoona police chief ready to lead in Iowa City

IOWA CITY — Eleven years after he considered pursuing the post, Jody Matherly could soon be the new Iowa City police chief.

Iowa City City Manager Geoff Fruin has recommended that Matherly, the Altoona police chief, replace retired Iowa City Police Chief Sam Hargadine. The move is subject to approval by the city council, probably on Tuesday.

While he would take office in late January if the appointment is approved, Matherly, 54, said he had previously thought about applying to be Iowa City's top law enforcement leader.

'Iowa City is a place I had considered applying for 11 years ago when Chief Hargadine applied, but I did not,' he said Friday. 'Here it is, 11 years later, and the opportunity came and it's the only place that was going to take me from Altoona.'

Matherly has served as police chief in Altoona since 2012. Before that, he was the Grinnell police chief for nine years after serving with the Flint, Michigan, Police Department from 1987 to 2003.

Matherly said he has always had an affinity for cities with college settings.

'(Iowa City) itself is very vibrant and diverse,' he said. 'I thrive in those areas. I like that kind of setting when it comes to law enforcement. Those are the most challenging, but also the most rewarding settings to work in at times. That's been a draw for me.'

The community should expect visibility from not only Matherly, but his entire staff, he said. He said one of his priorities is to build strong relationships within the community.

As for the department itself, Matherly said he wants to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the police force and explore opportunities for improvement. He's not expecting any 'wholesale changes.'

Matherly has served on several promotion panels for the Iowa City Police Department and said that gave him a good read on some of the command staff in place. He also praised the work Hargadine did in hiring 'good people' for the department during his tenure.

'They've got a very well-trained and very energetic staff there,' Matherly said. 'From what I saw through this process, they want nothing more than to have a good environment to work in and strong relationships with the community.'

Matherly also said he's looking forward to continuing the relationship with the University of Iowa Department of Public Safety. The new UI Public Safety Director Scott Beckner — who spent 18 years in police work at Michigan State University — is a familiar face, Matherly said.

'Scott and I grew up together and we started police work together,' he said. 'We've come 360 degrees and come together in a different state. That's pretty exciting to work with him again. We have a great respect for each other's work.'

Other area law enforcement leaders, including North Liberty Police Chief Diane Venenga, retiring Coralville Police Chief Barry Bedford and Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek are familiar to Matherly through his position on the executive board for the Iowa Police Chiefs Association. Matherly said he's also familiar with Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman and Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner.

'They're going to see a very strong working relationship with me,' he said. 'I know they're going to be a lot of help to me there and, hopefully, I'll have something to add to the group as well.'

Joining Matherly in Iowa City is his wife, Laura. Matherly said they look forward to taking in local arts, restaurants and athletics — particularly, University of Iowa wrestling.

Assuming the city council approves his appointment, Matherly said he plans to take office sometime around Jan. 23. He plans to work at the Altoona Police Department full time until then.