Bridgeport's final three candidates for police chief took the stage together Tuesday night at Central High School to kick off a series of public forums.

Members of the public were invited to submit questions to the candidates — acting Chief Rebecca Garcia, Roderick Porter and Lonnie Blackwell.

City staffers say they want citizens to be engaged and feel that the selection process is transparent.

"It should be someone the community can trust with our kids due to previous experiences. They also need to be very transparent," said Bridgeport resident Ondrea Moore.

There will be a similar public forum on Oct. 18 at Harding High School and two other events where council members and legislators will ask the questions.