But for many attendees, that willingness is contingent on a change in leadership.

Some at the forum argued that O’Toole’s presence was proof the selection process for the new chief — a national search, vetting by a citizen advisory committee and a series of public meetings — was a sham.

Protesters have called for O’Toole, a 33-year veteran of the department, to be fired following his remark that city police “owned the night” during the early days of Stockley demonstrations.

“We asked the city to terminate Chief O’Toole, not give him a promotion,” shouted activist Elizabeth Vega, who repeatedly raised her voice in protest whenever O’Toole came to the mic.

Most of her comments were met with applause, and as the crowd got riled up, others joined in her call for O’Toole to be disqualified, or take himself out of the running voluntarily.

But the local candidates, including O’Toole, will have an edge in the process, said Frank, the personnel director.

“There is a distinct advantage to being local,” Frank said, explaining that internal candidates will be given at least five points toward a maximum of 100 should they live in St. Louis.