Rock Hill is soliciting public opinion as city leaders begin their search for a successor to replace retiring Police Chief John Gregory who has one month left on the job.

Residents can submit questions and suggestions online about the search and what traits they’d like to see in a new police chief.

The online survey will be open until Nov. 19.

Two public forums also will be held by city management to discuss the search and police department priorities in finding its next leader.

The first forum is Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the city’s operations center on Anderson Road in Rock Hill.

The second forum is planned for Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall in the council chambers on Johnston Street.

City leaders also are meeting with police personnel on Nov. 7 and 8 to gather opinions on the selection of a new police chief.

Gregory announced in October that he will retire on Dec. 1 – his 40th anniversary in law enforcement.

Applications for the position will be accepted throughout this process, until a suitable candidate is found, according to a city news release on Friday.

Introduced as Rock Hill’s top cop in 2003, Gregory is the city’s first black police chief.

His tenure has been noted for his addition of new technology, more neighborhood-focused police patrols through the Weed and Seed program and outfitting a street crimes unit with new officers.

“I am so pleased with being able to get my arms around the issues inside this department nine years ago and have latitude to use ideas and empower people,” Gregory, 57, said last month at a news conference announcing his retirement.

“The greatest accomplishment for me is that I helped create and develop leaders within this agency.”

Anna Douglas 803-329-4068