The search for a new Hayward Police Department chief will begin in the next few weeks, according to Hayward City Manager Kelly McAdoo.

HPD has been without a leader since former chief, Diane Stuart formerly Diane Urban, was placed on administrative leave by McAdoo on Aug. 29. In accordance with state law privacy protection for police officers, McAdoo or the city did not release any details about what led to her being placed on leave. However, Hayward lawyer Michael Lawson said it was a “personnel investigation” that led to the eventual administrative leave and retirement of the former chief.

On Dec. 14, Diane retired and longtime HPD officer Mark Koller took over as acting police chief before being named interim police chief on Dec. 15.

According to documents obtained by KQED, Diane married Clark D. Stuart II in the spring of 2015, and between 2011 and June 2016, the city paid Clark and his company Trident Professionals $159,248 primarily to teach courses to employees that centered around “effective executive communication.”

The Trident Professionals official website says that their primary goal is to critically evaluate their clients in order to develop and transform their communication skills through courses and literature. It was founded by Clark in 2003.

According to McAdoo, the search will be a national one, in which the city will work with an executive recruiter. The process could take three to five months.