Coral Gables City Manager Patrick Salerno will begin a search for a permanent police chief.

Salerno, who has been in his job for about six months, said he will search nationwide to find a leader for the 183 sworn-officer department. The current salary range is $97,489 to $133,869.

``I'm looking for the best and brightest candidate for theposition,'' Salerno said.

Richard Naue has been interim chief since August 2008, when he was appointed by the former city manager, David Brown.

Naue replaced Chief Michael Hammerschmidt, who died last year of cancer.

Salerno said the announcement ``should not be taken as a slight '' to Naue.

``I invited him to apply,'' said Salerno, who sent a memo to Naue on Oct. 30 about the search.

Naue, who has been with the department for 32 years, would not comment. He makes $148,800 a year.

Salerno said the city will place an ad as soon as possible. He did not have a time frame for hiring a chief, although he said he wants to move quickly.

``I am committed to an open process,'' he said.