Lakeland residents got a chance to meet the seven candidates for police chief Monday evening at the Lakeland Center.
One of the candidates will replace former chief Lisa Womack who resigned under pressure in January. Two of the candidates are already known in the community. They are interim chief Larry Giddens and Polk Sheriff's Major Paul Baggett.
Pastor Eddie Lake from New Bethel AME church was one of the community members who attended the meet and greet. He tried to talk to all of the candidates about their vision for getting the community involved in fighting crime.
"To work with community organizations and churches to make sure we have the streets covered and people are safe," said Lake.
Police union president Nick Marolda and other union members met privately with each of the candidates for up to an hour earlier in the day. He was impressed with their qualifications.
"The candidates were just that much stronger. They stood out," he said. Marolda also attended the meet and greet.
On Tuesday the candidates will be interviewed by a 10 member search selection committee that includes Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor.
The actual pick of the new police chief will be made by City Manager Doug Thomas some time later this month.