Police chief candidates answer residents' questions

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A new Charlotte-Mecklenburg police chief could be named as soon as next week.

On Tuesday night, the three finalists answered dozens of questions from the public about their plans to fight crime and why they should be hired.

"I hold people accountable for what they do," said Jerry Sennett, a 28-year veteran of Charlotte-Mecklenburg police and the only local finalist.

"I can't be going one direction and people take it upon themselves to go in another direction," said Rodney Monroe, who has been the chief of police in Richmond, Va., since 2005.

"Visibility is on everybody's minds," said Alan Dreher, Atlanta’s assistant chief of police. "Everyone wants to see police officers. It makes you feel safe."

Back and forth, the candidates answered questions about gangs, property crimes, use of force and 90-day "results if you're hired" game plans.

"Target people, the whole organization and the ones causing the problems," Sennett said.

"Follow those same principles, those same philosophies," Monroe said.

"What you look at is how appropriate is that use of force," Dreher said.

The goal was to impress people like Marlene Ferguson.

"People want to feel safe in their community," Ferguson said. "People want to be able to see their officers."

Ultimately, City Manager Curt Walton will make the hiring decision.

He says the next chief must have a passion for policing and problem solving, the ability to manage thousands of people and hundreds of millions of dollars, is well-versed in community policing, traditional enforcement and recognizing what doesn't work.

He also says the one picked from the three candidates comes down to the best fit for the department and people it protects and serves.