Durham Police Chief Stephanie Mardis received a standing ovation before she began speaking at her swearing-in Friday morning.
Dozens of friends, family members and law enforcement leaders from the Triangle and Triad gathered at the Durham Performing Arts Center for the ceremony.
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Mardis was joined onstage by church leaders, her son and her mother.
“Thank you for seeing me, for the vote of confidence to lead this great organization with honor and integrity,” Mardis said. “I truly believe the Lord has prepared me for such a time as this.”
After thanking friends, family and God, Mardis took a more serious tone.
She asked all members of the Durham Police Department to stand, then asked law enforcement officers, city employees and community members to join them until everyone in DPAC was on their feet.
She then displayed the names of every 2026 homicide victim on a screen and read them aloud, along with their ages, one by one.
“As we stand in solidarity today, let us commit to putting the people first,” Mardis said. “As I step into this role as Durham’s 17th police chief, the celebration is officially over. And it’s time to get to work.”
Mardis said her main priorities are reducing violent crime, nurturing community trust and building on progress in recruiting and retention.
“I will continue to be committed to caring enough to show up in the community, disciplined enough to lean into conversation that holds myself and the Durham Police Department accountable,” she said.
Mardis has nearly 25 years of law enforcement experience.
WRAL interviewed her about her priorities in early August.