The leadership transition in the city's police force, sparked by the retirement announcement this spring of Chief Tim Dolan, is nearly complete.

The city's executive committee will take a preliminary vote Wednesday on the mayor's nomination of Assistant Chief Janeé Harteau to lead the department beginning Dec. 1. Dolan's office announced last week that he will be stepping down on Nov. 2.

The vote will initiate the process of formal hearings, which will begin with a public safety committee meeting on Nov. 7 and a public hearing on Nov. 28th, according to the mayor's office.

So far, there has been little controversy surrounding the appointment of Harteau, who has served on the force for about 25 years. Before becoming assistant chief, she was inspector of downtown's First Precinct.

According to a letter from the mayor, Harteau's term will last until 2016.