WATCH: Columbia Police Department to announce new chief of police Wednesday

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COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia is set to announce its new chief of police Wednesday at 2 p.m. during a press conference at City Hall.

The event is open to the public.

According to a press release from the city, City Manager De'Carlon Seewood will discuss the search process for finding the new chief and then will introduce them.

The new chief will then deliver remarks.

Four finalists have been chosen for the position. Former Forest Park Chief of Police and Public Safety Director Nathaniel Clark from Georgia; Major for the Human Resources Division in Kansas City Dan Haley; Assistant Police Chief for Columbia Police Department Jill Schlude; and Deputy Police Chief Michael Zeller from Greeley, Colorado.

The city hired Public Sector Search and Consulting Inc. who specializes in areas like recruiting police executives, to help them with the search for a new chief.

On Oct. 18, the city held a forum introducing the candidates and hearing their responses to concerns from community members.

A moderator asked a series of questions pertaining to issues like violent crime, staffing, homelessness, mental health and the public heard each candidates responses.

The search for a new chief follows after former chief of police Geoff Jones' last day of work on Aug. 1st after serving for more than 24 years.

Since then, Matt Stephens has been serving as interim chief.

Check back for updates as this story is developing.