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Durham's Police Chief May Be Moving On

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DURHAM — When Teresa Chambers took the job as Durham's police chief, she said she could not wait to begin a makeover of the department. Two years later, Chief Chambers could be looking for a whole new challenge.

After two years as chief of the Durham Police Department, Chambers has her supporters. And it is not just for reducing crime, long a thorn in the Bull City's side.

"The morale is much more positive among the staff," said Mayor Pro Tem Howard Clement.

Chambers is throwing her chief's hat into the ring for the top job with the Virginia State Police.

The question is: if she gets the job, what will she leave behind unaccomplished?

Clement says that besides further reduction in murder, theft and assault rates, even more community outreach is needed.

"There are still elements in the community that distrust the police," Clement said.

The past president of the Inter-Neighborhood Council has other items she hopes Chambers can follow through on.

"Create the downtown patrol district, which is what they are working on now," said Ann Guyton. "And actually get the department -- for the first time in I don't know how many years -- really up to staff, and get the community policing going."

Community leaders point out that Chambers is among a crowded field of applicants who want to be Virginia's top cop.

"We hope she stays," one said.

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