Gainesville interim Police Chief Carol Martin is the sole finalist for the position, City Manager Kip Padgett announced today in a news release.

Martin took over the interim post in August when previous chief Brian Kelly resigned after a city investigation into personnel concerns within the department.

“Since assuming the interim chief position, Major Martin has been very proactive in the hiring of staff and the implementation of the records management system. Her years of experience in law enforcement and history within the Gainesville Police Department makes her an excellent candidate for the position of Chief,” Padgett said.

The city’s human resources department received 16 applications for the position.

Martin joined the department in January 1987 as a patrol officer. She advanced through the ranks by serving as an investigator, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and major.

“The opportunity to lead policing efforts at a world-class department like the Gainesville Police Department is truly special, and I am humbled to be selected,” Martin said. “Most importantly, I am honored to serve alongside members of the Gainesville Police Department, for they are the true leaders of this agency. I cannot begin to thank the members of the Gainesville Police Department enough for their continued support as well as the leaders and management of this great city.”

Attempts to reach Martin for further comment were unsuccessful.

One of the first goals under Martin’s leadership, said Gainesville police spokesman Cpl. Kevin Holbrook, was on hiring. Some 10 or so officers have been hired since Martin was tapped as interim chief, he said, with a few open positions left.

“We’re probably the most diverse we’ve ever been,” Holbrook said.

Through advertising on Facebook and other means, the department under Martin’s direction sought to be more representative of the community, Holbrook said.

“We’re working with Hispanic businesses and churches to advertise ourselves,” he said.

Martin also served as program director for the department’s accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies as a Flagship Agency and led state certification efforts.

Prior to being named interim chief, she served as captain of the Support Services Bureau.

Martin was named the city’s Police Officer of the Year in 1997 by the Elks Lodge and honored by the Gainesville Kiwanis for law enforcement excellence in 2003 and 2007.

She was an honor graduate of the Northeast Georgia Police Academy in 1987. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree from Brenau College in 1988.