Tuesday marks the first official day of work for Durham's new police chief.
Stephanie Mardis was formerly the assistant chief for the Greensboro Police Department. In an interview with WRAL News, the incoming chief said her priority is to collaborate with the community to reduce violence.
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Mardis has more than 24 years of law enforcement experience. She arrives in Durham as the city reports recent numbers showing Durham’s homicide rate is roughly double the state and national rates.
Violent crime (homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) increased by 4.6% during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Property crime (burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft) decreased by 6.1% compared to the same time frame.
In an August Q&A with WRAL News, Mardis said she would take a “hard look” at the situation.
“What I’ll say is that accountability matters,” she told WRAL. “I hold myself accountable, and in this agency we will hold our staff accountable. We’ll also hold the community accountable. Accountability is a shared experience.”
The Bull City's former chief, Patrice Andrews, retired in May after a combined 25 years of service to the Durham Police Department.