Panel, Outside Firm To Help Find Next Commissioner

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Baltimore officials say they plan on using a panel of experts and an outside firm to help hire the city's next police commissioner.

A spokesman for Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake told The Baltimore Sun on Wednesday that local candidates will be considered, but says that the mayor is hoping for a rigorous, national search.

The city is looking to replace Frederick Bealefeld III, who announced his retirement earlier this month. He leaves his post on Aug. 1 after having the job for five years.

The spokesman says Bealefeld will work with the panel of law enforcement and legal professionals assisting in the search.

However, Bealefeld says he is not sure how involved he will be in the process.

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