Public Invited To Vet Final 2 Norristown Police Chief Candidates

NORRISTOWN, PA — Norristown's search for a new chief of police is taking its next step, as the public is invited to a special upcoming meeting to discuss issues facing the borough with the final candidates.

A search has been underway for months ever since Chief Mark Talbot, who has held the position for eight years, announced in May that he is leaving to lead the police department in Hampton, Virginia.

“Community input is crucial in filling one of the most important positions here in the municipality,” Council President Derrick Perry said in a statement “Norristown is a diverse community, unlike any other here in Montgomery County, and we want our residents to know the top law enforcement officer here is working to keep all of them safe.”

RELATED: Norristown Police Chief Mark Talbot Leaving For Post In Virginia

The special meeting will be held on Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, located on 2 W. Lafayette Street in Norristown.

Norristown has been thorough in its search, creating a "chief's panel" overseen by the municipal council to find and interview candidates and put them through assessment exercises. In addition to interviews with the council, the final two candidates will also meet with other municipal department heads and community leaders before a final decision is made. A new chief is expected to be appointed by some point in November.

Lieutenant Todd Dillon has been serving as acting chief since Talbot left.

The Norristown Police Department boasts 70 police officers and 30 civilian staff who are charged with protecting the municipality's 35,000 residents.