By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – A battle of wills is occurring over the search for a new Montgomery police chief. Mayor Bobby Bright is conducting a national search for John Wilson's replacement. Wilson resigned last month shortly after the Alabama Bureau of Investigation began looking into a complaint that Wilson had been driving while intoxicated. Wilson denies the charge. Meanwhile, a citizen lobby group is pushing Mayor Bright to promote Deputy Police Chief Mabel Pierce to the position. Pierce has been serving as interim police chief since late July. Pierce says she has no connection to or knowledge about the group's efforts.