Trenton is looking for a new top cop after the forced resignation of Police Director Joseph Santiago Monday.

A judge had ordered Santiago to relinquish the position months ago since he is not a permanent resident of Trenton, a requirement of the job.

Santiago offered his resignation Monday to Mayor Doug Palmer, the man who hired him. Palmer says it will be hard to replace the director.

"Certainly, I received it with much regret," says Palmer.

The mayor says Santiago cleaned up the state capital's streets and was an effective leader despite the issue of residency.

To even be considered as a replacement, applicants must be a Trenton resident. Palmer believes the residency mandate will make it difficult to find a qualified candidate, as most applicants won't want to move to the city without the guarantee of a job.

Trenton Police Captain Fred Reister will serve as acting police director until the search for Santiago's replacement is finished.