Mayor Stoney Announces Hiring of New Police Chief Gerald Smith

As Richmond nears the end of one of the city’s most challenging months Mayor Levar Stoney announces the hiring of a new permanent police chief. Charlotte-Mecklenberg County, NC Deputy Chief Gerald Smith joins the department effective July 1 with Interim Chief Jody Blackwell serving out the remainder of the month in the role before stepping back to become Chief of Staff.

“Deputy Chief Gerald Smith is who Richmond needs right now – a reform-minded leader with deep experience in community policing and de-escalation,”

Mayor Levar Stoney

Read More:

• Richmond Times-Dispatch - Stoney announces new Richmond Police chief as Interim chief steps down after 11 days
• CBS 6 - Stoney appoints new 'reform-minded' police chief in Richmond
• WRIC 8 - Deputy Chief Gerald Smith appointed new chief of Richmond Police