Durham selects veteran Greenville-area leader to head police department
The City of Durham has selected Stephanie Mardis, currently an assistant chief with the Greensboro Police Department, as the next chief of the Durham Police Department, city officials announced Monday. Mardis brings more than 24 years of law enforcement experience and a record of programs aimed at strengthening investigations, family support after homicides and transparency.
Mardis is scheduled to begin her duties in Durham on Sept. 8. The Greensboro Police Department said her last day there will be Aug. 17, as she prepares to transition into the new role.
Background and department initiatives
During her tenure in Greensboro, Mardis helped develop several initiatives intended to improve investigative capacity and community engagement. The city’s announcement and Greensboro police materials highlight her involvement in:
- founding the Police and Community Alliance for Peace Forum;
- creating Greensboro’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Academy and the Advanced CID Academy for detectives;
- designing the department’s first body-worn camera audit and compliance system;
- expanding support for families affected by homicide.
City officials said Mardis’ leadership style and experience align with Durham’s ongoing violence-reduction strategy and will strengthen community-based outreach efforts. The selection followed a nationwide search that city officials said was shaped by community input.
“Her many professional accomplishments include more than 24 years of dedicated service and sacrifices to our police department and to this community,”
Greensboro Police Chief Kamran Afzal said in a statement, adding that the department is grateful for Mardis’ “leadership and mentorship, her compassion, and her legacy for engaging and building community.” Chief Afzal also offered well wishes for her next chapter.
Transition and what it means for Durham
The appointment comes as Durham continues to pursue strategies to reduce violence and increase trust between law enforcement and residents. City leaders have framed the hire as one that will bolster those goals, citing Mardis’ experience developing training and oversight tools as well as community forums.
Officials have not released additional details about Mardis’ priorities once on the job or the full timeline for leadership changes within the Durham Police Department. The nationwide search included community input, signaling Mayor and City Council interest in a chief who can work with residents and stakeholders on public-safety planning.
Key dates and facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Selected as Durham police chief | Announced Aug. 10, 2026 |
| Years of law enforcement experience | More than 24 years |
| Last day in Greensboro | Aug. 17, 2026 |
| Start date in Durham | Sept. 8, 2026 |
Mardis released a statement saying she is honored to serve the Durham community. The Greensboro Police Department also posted congratulations on social media, and Chief Afzal praised her contributions to Greensboro, noting the department’s appreciation for her service.
As Mardis prepares to assume the chief’s role, Durham residents and officials will be watching for more specifics on how she plans to implement and expand strategies to reduce violence and engage communities. City leaders have framed the hire as a step toward strengthening community-based outreach within Durham’s broader public-safety goals.
Further information about Mardis’ priorities and any immediate departmental changes is expected as she transitions into the role in September.
