Durham Seeks Public Input for New Police Chief Selection Process
Durham will hold public forums and surveys to gather community input on selecting their next police chief, emphasizing resident involvement in the hiring process.
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA — Durham city officials announced they will launch a community engagement process to gather public input as they search for a new police chief, marking a shift toward involving residents in the selection of the department’s next leader.
The city plans to conduct public forums, surveys, and listening sessions throughout the coming months to understand what qualities and priorities community members want to see in their next police chief. City Manager Bertha Johnson emphasized the importance of community involvement in this hiring decision.
“We want to ensure that our next police chief reflects the values and expectations of the Durham community,” Johnson said during a recent city council meeting. “This is an opportunity for residents to have a direct voice in shaping the future of public safety in our city.”
Timeline and Selection Process
The search process is expected to begin next year, with the community input phase starting in early 2025. City officials indicated they plan to hire a professional search firm to assist with identifying qualified candidates.
The current police chief position became vacant following recent leadership changes within the Durham Police Department. Officials have not yet announced who will serve as interim chief during the search process.
Community Engagement Plans
Durham plans to host multiple public meetings across different neighborhoods to ensure broad participation from residents citywide. The city will also launch an online survey allowing residents to share their priorities and concerns about police leadership.
City officials said they particularly want to hear from communities that have been historically underrepresented in municipal decision-making processes. The engagement sessions will be conducted in multiple languages to accommodate Durham’s diverse population.
“We’re committed to making this process as inclusive and transparent as possible,” said a city spokesperson. “Every voice matters when it comes to public safety leadership.”
Key Qualifications Being Sought
While the formal job posting has not yet been released, city officials indicated they are looking for candidates with extensive law enforcement experience, strong community relations skills, and a commitment to modern policing practices.
The new chief will oversee a department of approximately 500 sworn officers serving Durham’s population of more than 280,000 residents. The position comes with significant challenges, including addressing crime concerns while maintaining community trust.
Durham residents interested in participating in the selection process can visit the city’s website for updates on upcoming community meetings and survey opportunities. The city expects to announce specific dates and locations for public input sessions within the next few weeks.
The search committee will include city council members, community representatives, and other stakeholders. Officials aim to have a new police chief in place by mid-2025, pending the completion of the selection process and background investigations.
