The search is on for Gainesville's new police chief.

Gainesville City Manager Russ Blackburn says he has already received 24 applications but officials won't make the final decision.

Current Chief Norman Botsford plans to retire by November 1.

In a town hall meeting, Blackburn, members of the African American Accountability Alliance and residents met to discuss the chief position.

Some members of the panel and the audience said there is not enough diversity in the department.

Minorities make up 22 percent of the department and one member of the panel said that police officers need to treat minority residents with more respect.

Others said that attention needs to be less on diversity and more on filling the position with someone who is well qualified for the job.

Blackburn says despite whats happened in the past with GPD the goal now is to select someone to lead the 400 person department who has high ethical values, vision and extensive knowledge of police policies.