COLUMBUS, Ohio — The four finalists competing to be the next Columbus Division of Police Chief had the chance to speak to the Columbus community during a virtual town hall Wednesday.

None of the candidates is from within the Columbus police department. That's in keeping with Mayor Andrew Ginther's vow that the next chief will be an external hire, a first for the agency of about 1,900 sworn officers.

The four police chief candidates include: Detroit Deputy Chief Elaine Bryant, Dallas Assistant Chief Avery Moore, Dallas Assistant Chief Derrick Diggs and Fort Meyers Police Chief Ivonne Roman. Roman retired from the Newark, N.J. police force last year and has been focusing on advocacy work.

Ginther has said Columbus needs a “change agent” to alter the department's culture. 

Cynthia Brown, founder of the Heartbeat Movement, a public policy chapter in Ohio, said after a year of violence and protests she hopes the next chief can repair the community’s trust.

“We’re not anti-police first of all,” said Brown. “My one nephew was killed by law enforcement and my other nephew is in law enforcement.”

Brown said she is also hoping to see some diversity added to CDP.

"I want to see more women in the police force, (and) a lot of people my complexion patrolling the streets," she said. "I think it makes a difference if you want to build a connection between law enforcement and the community.”

Brown also wants the next chief to focus on qualified immunity, the legal principle that prevents officers from being personally liable to pay damages, and the balance of power within the Fraternal Order of Police.

“I’ve talked to other mothers who have been impacted with legal intervention with qualified immunity and what they’re looking for is accountability and transparency,” Brown said.

Topics discussed during the forum included restoring trust with the community, police culture and bias and the FOP. 

Ginther and other officials have asked the Justice Department to review the agency for deficiencies and racial disparities.  

The Associated Press contributed to this report.