Stephanie Mardis, the current assistant chief of the Greensboro Police Department, has been selected as Durham's next police chief, according to city officials.
La city of Durham said that her appointment is the result of a nationwide search process designed with the active participation of residents, community leaders, and experts in public security, following the retirement of former chief Patrice Andrews last April.
Mardis will officially assume leadership of the corporation on September 8th, taking over from interim chief Walter Tate, who has led the department since May.
Leadership supported by the municipal administration
City manager Bo Ferguson emphasized that the selection process was guided by the priorities identified by the citizens themselves.
The decision was also informed by recommendations that emerged from the city and county Violence Reduction Summit.
“Durham defined the priorities of this search from the beginning,” Ferguson said.
“Chief Mardis has demonstrated exceptional leadership, deep operational experience, and a clear commitment to transparency and community partnership. She is well-prepared to lead our department at a critical time for public safety in our city,” he added.
Strategies against violence and a community approach
Mardis takes command at a critical time for Durham, which is implementing a comprehensive plan to reduce shootings and homicides at 10% annually.
Under his leadership, he said the department will implement targeted deterrence tactics, patrols in high-crime areas, preventive social work on the streets, and trauma-informed care approaches.
“Throughout my career, I have been committed to principled leadership, transparency, and strong community partnerships,” Mardis said in an official statement. “I am grateful for the opportunity to build on the trust and collaboration that residents expect and deserve. I look forward to working alongside the men and women of the Durham Police Department to advance evidence-based strategies that improve safety.”
Read also: Families and experts discuss public health solutions to curb gun violence in Durham
Career in Greensboro
During his more than two-decade career in Greensboro, Mardis led key operational areas such as patrol, narcotics investigations, tactical operations, district command, and professional standards.
Among its most notable initiatives is the creation of the "Police and Community Alliance for Peace" forum.
He also contributed to the founding of advanced training academies for detectives in the Criminal Investigations Division. Another achievement was the design of Greensboro's first body camera auditing system.
Support from the sheriff and county police
The appointment of the new chief was welcomed by other key authorities in the region.
The Sheriff of County Durham, Clarence F. BirkheadHe emphasized Mardis' experience and the professional relationship they have maintained over the years in state and national organizations.
“She has done groundbreaking work in Greensboro connecting the police with the local community,” Sheriff Birkhead stated. “Chief Mardis brings the experience, compassion, and energy that Durham needs in its next police chief. I look forward to working with her and welcoming her to Durham.”
For his part, Robert Gaddy, president of Lodge 2 of the Fraternal Order of Police of County Durham, valued their closeness to the patrol officers.
“We were impressed by his ability to connect with people, ask the right questions, and demonstrate genuine respect for the officers and the work we do,” Gaddy said.
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Academic training and upcoming community events
Mardis is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police, and the Administrative Officer Management Program at North Carolina State University.
She holds a bachelor's degree from Bennett College and a master's degree in administration and public policy from Liberty University.
She currently serves as a commissioner on the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Education Standards Commission.
Citizens will be able to interact with the new chief during the National Night Out activities on October 6, according to authorities.
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