The City of Bridgeport held its first community forum Thursday in the search for a new police chief.

The forum was held at Central High School and was open to all city residents to give their input on the process.

City officials want residents to participate in the process and fill out an online survey, which asks what qualities they want to see in the next police chief.

Community members say they are grateful for the opportunity to have their voices heard. They say they want an ethical leader who won't abuse their powers.

Rebeca Garcia has been serving as acting chief since September 2020 after AJ Perez was arrested for cheating on the police chief exam.

The next community forum will be Friday night at the former University of Bridgeport Campus.

The application process for the candidates opens on June 13. The city says by mid-September three finalists will be presented to the mayor.