Former St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally. The search for a new police chief has been ongoing since Connally announced his retirement in September/ File photo By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The city of St. Joseph is still searching for a new police Chief after the retirement of Chris Connally. That search could take its next step tonight. Councilmember Madison Davis says during tonight's council meeting there will be a vote on whether to approve a search firm to assist in hiring a new Police Chief. "All candidates would be encouraged to apply, whether it be internal or external, we want to find someone that can be the future of the police department for St. Joseph," Davis tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "Looking at what we have done that's worked, what we've done that's not worked, and how we can improve law enforcement in St. Joseph." Davis says he doesn't feel like the new police chief will face any different challenges than ones already being faced nationwide. "In law enforcement I think there's a couple things that may make it more challenging, I think when you look at our poverty rate in St. Joseph currently, I think when you look at our education level in St. Joseph, I think those things can make it difficult at times," Davis says. "But I think those are things other communities may face." Davis says he doesn't mind whether the new chief comes internally or externally, he just wants to find the right person for the job. "Dedicated to our department, and whether they're internal or external bring in their own fresh ideas, their own experiences that they have in life, and apply them to the position," Davis explains. "And do whatever they can to improve St. Joseph law enforcement and the public perception of safety." Commander Dave Hart has been serving as the interim police chief since Connally's retirement.