Cherches says it will be at least three weeks before he decides if a national search will be launched, or if the new chief will promoted from the ranks of the Wichita Police Department.

"Hiring a police chief is one of the most important decisions a city manager makes and I don’t want to rush it," Cherches said, "we are not in a leadership crisis. There is a solid command staff in place which is very capable and qualified to lead the Wichita Police Department in the interim."

Cherches says he is working closely with Chief Watson to coordinate the leadership transition. Watson will remain on the job until the end of the year. Cherches says if a decision is made to launch a national search, he will appoint an acting police chief from the current command staff.