Mayor Jon Mitchell says the City of New Bedford will conduct an internal search only when it comes to finding the City's next police chief.

The Mayor says police officers within the department who have attained the rank of captain or lieutenant are eligible to apply.

Mitchell tells WBSM News an internal search should guarantee a new chief with substantial knowledge of the city. "A police department's success depends on knowledge and familiarity with the community, it's needs, the players and so forth. So that's why external searches often fail," said Mitchell.

Applications will be accepted from February 29 to March 11 at 4pm.

The Mayor has also named an eight-member screening committee to review the applications and recommend two names to him. The panel includes three retired members of law enforcement, the present acting chief, David Lizotte, three community members and City Councilor Brian Gomes.

The new police chief will replace the late David Provencher, who passed away unexpectedly in December.

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