Phoenix officials believe the city will soon see more applicants for its open police chief job because there was a false public perception that interim chief Michael Sullivan was likely to move into the position.

Phoenix is restarting its search for a permanent police chief. The move comes after Interim Chief Michael Sullivan withdrew his candidacy for the position, City Manager Jeff Barton said in an April 8 news release. Sullivan was one of four finalists for the job.

Phoenix police interim chief Michael Sullivan announced his resignation on Tuesday and withdrew his name from a list of candidates to lead the department permanently.