Wendell — After holding two focus groups with police department employees and the town's department heads, Wendell on Thursday organized a public forum to find out what kind of qualities citizens would like to see in a new police chief.

As Town Manager David Bone described it, the meeting was held to get input from the citizens on the desired knowledge, skills, traits and abilities of a new police chief. Event participants created a list of almost 30 traits and then voted on them. Based on the votes, residents want the new chief to be a team builder, live in the community, be honest and ethical and have a high level of integrity and possess a wide variety of skills. The other requirements that got a lot of votes were ties to the area and good work experience.

The participants also said they would like to have someone who would be in Wendell for some time. They also recognized that the search could net people from across the state or even further away.

"It's a desirable area, and a lot of people are trying to live and work around the Triangle," Bone said.

Attendee Barry Perry raised questions on salary ranges, noting he did not want anyone to use the position as a stepping stone. Perry said the town would need to be prepared to afford such a high-profile position, but that it can't start someone at the top of the pay scale.

The public's input will be used throughout the process, which the town would like to have completed by Aug. 1. That's when current Chief Joe Privette will retire.

Another focus group will be held with the mayor and Board of Commissioners May 8 at 6 p.m. at the Wendell Town Hall. The public is welcome to attend, Bone said.

By May 15, the town hopes to have incorporated all information from the focus groups and meetings into a job description. The advertising and application reception process will occur throughout the month of June.