Interviews for the position of Los Angeles Police Department chief began weeks ago, but city officials have not said exactly how many candidates have applied.

In response to an inquiry by The Los Angeles Times, the Police Commission confirmed only that there were “more than 25” candidates from across the country. It declined to comment further.

Mayor Karen Bass will hire the next chief, choosing from nominees provided by the commission and an outside hiring firm. The deadline to apply closed late last month; initial interviews with candidates started a few days later.

Those who have confirmed to The Times that they have applied or intended to apply include Assistant Chief Blake Chow, who oversees LAPD special operations; Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides, commanding officer of the department’s South Bureau; Deputy Chief Donald Graham, who heads the Transit Services Bureau; and Robert Arcos, a former LAPD deputy chief who works for the district attorney’s office.

Art Acevedo, who has served as police chief in Houston and Miami, is considered a serious contender; former police leaders from New York City and Seattle are also said to have applied.

The search began with the February retirement of former Chief Michel Moore.