The new interim chief of the Sanford Police Department wants to rebuild the department's relationship with the community. He admits it won't be easy.
Richard Myers was formally introduced as the new interim chief Friday morning.
Myers previously served as police chief in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Talking at a news conference Friday, Myers said his goal was to study and learn the department's culture, and find out what is healthy and what is not.
"I will study and learn and listen," Myers said. "Most of all I will listen."
Myers also said he wanted to hear from the disenfranchised minorities in the community, to work to heal the rift caused by the George Zimmerman case, calling it "urgent work."
"We don't have the luxury of taking our time here," Myers said.
Myers is replacing acting Chief Darren Scott, who took over after Bill Lee stepped aside in March amid growing controversy surrounding the case against George Zimmerman, who shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in February.
Lee had tried to resign in April, but city leaders rejected his resignation, saying they wanted to wait until the investigations into the police department's actions following the shooting have been completed.
City leaders conducted an extensive, nationwide search for an interim chief, and announced Myers as their choice on Tuesday.
Myers said he would conduct a thorough review of the department, and also expected a thorough briefing on the Zimmerman case.
Myers is a 35-year veteran in law enforcement. In addition to Colorado Springs, he has also served as police chief in Detroit, Chicago and Appleton, Wisconsin.