City of Durham names Greensboro assistant chief Stephanie Mardis as new police chief
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- The City of Durham has turned to the Triad to find its new police chief.
On Monday afternoon, the City announced that Stephanie Mardis, the assistant chief in the Greensboro Police Department, has been named Durham's next chief of police.
Mardis has more than 24 years of law enforcement experience. Her background includes leadership roles in patrol operations, narcotics investigations, tactical operations, criminal investigations, district command, professional standards, resource management, and executive administration, according to Durham officials.
"Durham residents helped define the priorities for this search from the very beginning," City Manager Bo Ferguson said. "Chief Mardis demonstrated exceptional leadership, deep operational experience, and a clear dedication to transparency and community partnership. She is prepared to lead our department forward at a pivotal moment for public safety in our city. Durham's violence reduction strategy calls for focused support and accountability, strengthened community-based outreach, place-based partnerships in areas where violence concentrates, and trauma-informed approaches at every level. She has demonstrated the leadership, empathy, and operational experience necessary to implement these evidence-based strategies while keeping community voices at the center of our work."
Mardis succeeds Patrice Andrews, who retired May 1.
DPD Deputy Chief Walter Tate has been serving as interim chief since then.
"I am deeply honored to serve the residents of Durham as the next chief of police," Mardis said in a release. "Throughout my career, I have been committed to principled leadership, transparency, and strong community partnerships - values that align closely with Durham's vision for public safety. Durham's voice clearly shaped this process, and I am grateful for the opportunity to build on the trust, innovation, and collaboration that residents expect and deserve. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Durham Police Department."
ABC11 is tracking crime and safety across Durham
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