The field for filling the position of chief of police has been narrowed down to four finalists.

In addition to current interim chief Michael Dvorak, the finalists include Jose Banales, chief of police for Texas State University’s police department; Ramon Batista, assistant chief of police for the Tucson police department; and Robert Davis, senior vice president and practice lead for the Hillard Hentze Corp.'s law enforcement consulting branch, as well as a veteran officer and former chief of police for the San Jose police department.

Mesa City Manager Chris Brady spoke highly of the applicants, noting that all four have outstanding experience and credentials in the public safety sector.

“All … are strong leaders and represent the best in their field,” he said. “As has been our practice, we wanted to make sure the selection and screening process involved a diverse community input. This position is critical to our quality of life and so the public’s participation is crucial.”

All four candidates will proceed through the search’s final steps: presentations to the city’s police department, individual interviews with a peer panel of local government officials and meetings with the mayor and City Council members.

A public open house from 5-7 p.m. May 4 will allow local residents to meet all applicants. The open house will be at the Mesa Convention Center’s Palo Verde Ballroom, 263 N. Center St.

The new chief will replace John Meza, who retired late last year.