From a list of 50 applicants, the list is narrowed to Marvin Evans, a commander of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation from Newport News, Va., Douglas Scott, an assistant inspector general for the U.S. Department of Interior, and Charles Austin, an police chief from Columbia, S.C.
Evans has 30 years with the police department in Newport News. He oversees about 100 officers as commander of investigations.
"I see it as a challenge. I've been preparing my entire law enforcement career to be a chief of police," Evans said.
Evans said Durham is not that different from his hometown.
"[It's] very similar -- both in size and population and the way it's made up. We're a college town also," Evans said.
Scott leads an investigative unit as assistant inspector general of the U.S Department of Interior. Previously, he was police chief in Fairfax County, a department twice the size of Durham's.
"I've got five years experience as chief of police. I've led an agency that's much larger and one that has an excellent reputation," Scott said.
Austin has more than 29 years of law enforcement experience. He has spent the last twelve as the chief in Columbia, S.C.
"I think we can bring some innovative ideas to Durham," he said.
Austin said past problems with the search for a police chief do not bother him.
"Notre Dame had some concerns with its first search for a head football coach. They're 6-0 and 7th in the nation. If that's any indication, we may be on the right track," he said.
The three candidates will meet City Council members and community leaders Monday. There will be a public forum on 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall.
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