The board that oversees the Hamilton Police Service is asking for public input in its search for a new chief, which it calls a "critical appointment".

The Police Services Board released a confidential survey on Monday with three questions for the public to answer before March 25, via a consulting firm it has hired to help with the search.

Former chief Glenn De Caire left the service in January after taking the helm in 2009.

The board's chair, Coun. Lloyd Ferguson, has said the new chief would be an internal candidate, though he said Monday the board "reserves the right" to look outside the service in certain cases.

"As we undertake this assignment, it is incumbent on us to be sure that we understand the challenges and issues facing the Hamilton Police Service today and over the coming years," the introduction to the survey reads.

"The organization is in a position to define with some precision the mandate and priorities for the new Chief of Police, as well as the experiences, skills and attributes that will be required for success in this role."

'What should the priorities be for the new Chief?'

The survey has three questions:

From your perspective, what are the issues and challenges facing the Hamilton Police Service today and over the next 2-3 years in terms of management and service to the community?

What should the priorities be for the new Chief reflecting on the issues and challenges provided as part of Question 1?

What leadership qualities and management skills should we be looking for in the new Chief?

In explaining its decision to launch the survey, the board says it's an "essential first step" toward the task to "develop an appreciation for the challenges and opportunities facing the Hamilton Police Service today and over the coming years."

The board "will establish priorities for the incoming Chief, as well as measures of success," reads an introduction from Ferguson.

A link to the survey is here.

Ferguson told CBC Hamilton that the board hopes to post the job description at the beginning of April. A new chief could be announced by the end of April, he said.

Ferguson said he wouldn't share how he would answer the three survey questions.

"I can't do that!" he said, laughing. "The applicants would read it."

How would you answer those questions? Leave a comment below or comment on our Facebook page.