Durham's New Police Chief: Stephanie Mardis

5 Takeaways from Durham’s Gun Violence Recommendations

A city-county working group wants Durham to focus on the people and places at greatest risk, improve coordination, and reduce shootings by 10% each year. A detailed action plan is due Aug. 25.

Southpoint AccessWes Platt

Stephanie Mardis is coming to Durham with more than 24 years of law enforcement experience, all of it with the Greensboro Police Department.

Durham's new police chief also is arriving with a sizable to-do list. She's scheduled to start on Sept. 8, succeeding Patrice Andrews, who retired April 30 after leading the department for nearly five years.

Since May 1, Deputy Chief Walter Tate has served as interim chief.

During her Greensboro career, Mardis rose from a rookie patrol officer to assistant chief, taking on assignments in criminal investigations, internal affairs, community engagement, training, technology, and department administration.

Durham will be her first time in the top job. She'll oversee a department with more than $93 million in annual spending, about one-fourth of its authorized sworn positions vacant, and a central role in the Bull City's emerging strategy for reducing gun violence.

Said City Manager Bo Ferguson in the news release announcing the hiring of Mardis:

“Chief Mardis demonstrated exceptional leadership, deep operational experience, and a clear dedication to transparency and community partnership. She is prepared to lead our department forward at a pivotal moment for public safety in our city. Durham’s violence reduction strategy calls for focused support and accountability, strengthened community‑based outreach, place‑based partnerships in areas where violence concentrates, and trauma‑informed approaches at every level. She has demonstrated the leadership, empathy, and operational experience necessary to implement these evidence‑based strategies while keeping community voices at the center of our work.” 

The city advertised the position with an anticipated annual salary between $230,000 and $240,000.

Help Tell South Durham’s Stories

Southpoint Access should reflect the people who live here. I’d love to help you add your voice to it.

Southpoint AccessWes Platt