The search for a new police chief to take the helm of the Turlock Police Department has been narrowed down to six prospects.

The final candidates will begin interviews next week, said City Manager Roy Wasden. They will be meeting with panelists representing the community, city departments, labor, and professional law enforcement before meeting with the City Council.

Interim Police Chief Dave Young has been leading the department since July when Gary Hampton left for the chief of police position in Tracy.

The search to fill the vacancy began in earnest in September when the City Council hired recruitment firm Teri Black and Co. — at a cost of $25,000 — to conduct a search for candidates.

A total of 42 applicants were submitted to the city, Wasden said.

Wasden said all six finalists have had long and impressive careers in law enforcement and have shown a “history of successes.”

Details about the finalists are kept confidential, but Wasden did confirm the pool includes some local options.

The city is expecting to have the position filled by the end of the month or the start of the next, but it is contingent on the interviews and the background check, Wasden said.

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.