SAN JOSE (KCBS) — San Jose’s search for the next chief of police is going to take longer than expected since the city manager has decided to expand the pool of candidates.

Top candidates met with City Manager Debra Figone this past week. But according to spokesperson David Vossbrink, Figone informed candidates that she needs more time to find the “perfect” match for San Jose.

Vossbrink downplayed the delay and said there was never any hard deadline to find a replacement for Chief Chris Moore, who announced his retirement in September.

“She also said the most important thing is that we find the right match. If it takes longer than that to make that match, then we’ll take the time it requires to make sure that we get a chief who can meet the expectations of our community, the needs of our department, and will fit in for a long successful run here,” he added.

Moore is scheduled to retire on January 18th, following disagreements with City Hall over budget issues.

While the candidates for his job aren’t being made public by the city, one applicant is reportedly Dan Oates, the chief of police in Aurora, Colorado.

According to the Denver Post, Oates interviewed for the job, but will not be taking the position.

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