By admin 
DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — The City of Durham is still grappling with who will be the next top cop after Police Chief Patrice Andrews announced her plans to retire six months ago.
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Andrews led the department for more than four years before officially stepping down on May 1.
“There’s no doubt that choosing a police chief is one of the most important decisions I’m going to make this year,” Durham City Manager Bo Ferguson told CBS 17 in April.
On Monday, a city spokesperson said candidate assessments are underway and the national search remains on schedule. Ferguson hopes to make a decision in late July or early August.
Former DPD Interim Chief Larry Smith told CBS 17 that a lengthy process is not uncommon.
“It’s an intense process,” Smith, also a former DPD deputy chief, said. “At least initially, on paper, I think the person they hire as the chief will be a good, qualified candidate. You really can’t know what someone’s like until they get into the position and start handling the position and making decisions.”
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Back in April, the community provided input by taking an online survey. Those responses were summarized by a hiring firm and provided to the city.
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“You want someone who’s willing to support their officers when the officers are right, and many times, they are right,” Smith said. “Even though it might be a controversial issue, it doesn’t mean the officer did anything wrong. But at the same token, you’ve got to be able to keep that good working relationship with that manager and that council and instill confidence in them that you are able to manage and run the police department and make good decisions for the department.”
In the meantime, Deputy Chief Walter Tate is currently serving as the department’s interim leader.
“I feel a lot of pressure to get it right, but I’m excited that we’ve got a process that will help us get the candidate that we need,” Ferguson said.
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