The application deadline passed Monday for the city’s national search for a new police chief.

City Manager David Corliss declined comment Tuesday morning on many aspects of the search, including how many applications the city has received.

“I respect the application process. That deadline has passed, and now we’re going to start working with the people who are interested in Lawrence and see if we’re interested in them,” Corliss said.

The city is seeking to replace Chief Ron Olin, who retired in September after holding the top law enforcement post since 1987. Olin is now the director of security and internal controls for Kansas Athletics Inc.

Tarik Khatib, an 18-year police department veteran, is serving as the interim chief. Khatib confirmed Tuesday morning that he applied for the permanent position.

Corliss said the city would make more announcements about the search process in coming weeks. He said city officials would begin looking at the applicants and scheduling interviews.

In the fall Corliss, who has authority to appoint a police chief, said he would seek input from members of the community and the police department on development of a profile for the position. And he said city commissioners would be involved in meeting the top candidates.

According to the job advertisement, qualifications include nine years of “increasingly responsible experience in municipal police work,” including at least four years in administration and management. The department has an operating budget of $14.2 million, and the city’s 2011 budget authorizes 142 officers and about 41 civilian staff members.

The salary is listed as above $105,000 a year, depending upon qualifications and experience.

Both Corliss and city commissioners have said in addition to interest from national applicants they expected internal candidates to apply and to possibly do well in the process.

Khatib, who trained earlier this year at the FBI National Academy, had said when he was named interim chief that he was interested in the permanent post.

“The only thing I can add at this point is that I look forward to participating in the process,” he said.