The search for a new chief of police in Bridgeport is getting closer as 19 candidates have moved on to the second part of the examination process, officials say.

The IACP conducted phone screening interviews with 19 candidates who have qualified to participate in the second phase of the City of Bridgeport chief of police examination process.

The final candidate phone screening was conducted on Thursday, Aug. 4.

The highest rated candidates from part two will be invited to participate in part three.

This will be an assessment center process that may include various job-related exercises and will be weighted at 100%.

Candidates must pass each portion of the process with a minimum score of 75%.

The city’s personnel director expects to receive an update specific to the number of candidates invited to participate in part three from the IACP next week.