News Flash

NORFOLK, VA – The City of Norfolk is nearing the end of a thorough process for identifying its next Chief of Police. Following recent in-person interviews, a field of more than 25 qualified applicants was trimmed to three finalists, with further vetting to occur in the coming days. Before a selection is made, City leadership is seeking public input.

During the evaluation process, candidates were asked to answer a series of questions on topics including policing equity; community-based violence intervention and prevention; their respective approaches to recruitment, selection and retention of a qualified and diverse workforce; and how they identify with the Norfolk Police Department’s guiding principles. The three finalists’ written responses are now available for review online at:

www.norfolk.gov/ChiefQuestions

Now through March 27, Norfolk residents are encouraged to review these answers and submit their feedback and thoughts on which qualities they’d most like to see in the City’s next Chief of Police. Comments can be submitted through the website address listed above, or via email at: NPDChiefSearch@norfolk.gov.

City leaders previously solicited public comment using online forms, and in various public meetings occurring near the beginning of the recruitment process. The City Manager and consultants from the executive search firm Morris & McDaniel will review this additional public input on the applicants’ responses as part of the overall selection process, with a final determination to be made by the City Manager later this spring.

Candidates’ responses, qualifications and overall fit for the role will be reviewed by a diverse and experienced panel of subject matter experts comprised of Alan Archer, Deputy City Manager for Public Safety for the City of Newport News; Norfolk City Manager Dr. Chip Filer; Norfolk Interim Chief of Police Michael Goldsmith; Norfolk Director of Human Resources Marva Smith; and Mark Talbot, Chief of Police for the City of Hampton.