Thirty-five people want to be Mocksville’s new police chief.

But the town has no date set to name a replacement for Robert Cook, who retired at the end of May last year. Assistant Chief Daniel Matthews has been serving as the interim chief since that date.

Town Manager Christine Bralley said that about half of the 35 applicants were from “local” residents. She and Mayor Dr. Francis W. Slate have gone over the resumes, and will ask some of the applicants to come in for an interview. The number to be called in should be narrowed down in a couple of weeks, she said.

An advertisement for the position asked for a certified officer with 10 years of North Carolina law enforcement experience, at least five of which were in higher levels of management. It also asked for a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, police administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The ad also asked for a “high level of professional ethics, proven leadership and management skills.”

Bralley said she talked to consultants from the Piedmont Triad Regional Council and the NC League of Municipalities about qualifications needed for the job. She said the process is a combined effort of the manager, mayor and board.

She said the new chief should be an officer who can work, manage the department as well as the budget and other administrative duties.

The police chief is hired upon a recommendation by the board, and reports to the town manger.