4 months after Norfolk police chief’s abrupt retirement, the search for his replacement is underway
The search is underway for the city’s next police chief.
Norfolk officials announced this week the selection of Alexandria-based firm Morris & McDaniel Management Consultants to assist in the process, expected to take place over the next few months.
Residents will be invited to participate in public meetings “to better establish the needs and expectations” of the next chief, according to a city press release. Citizen input will be used to help create a job advertisement for the position, the release said.
The city will pay the firm $35,000, according to city spokeswoman Kelly Straub.
Larry Boone abruptly retired as chief in April following several high-profile homicides in the city. Boone, who had been on the force since 1989, held the post since 2016. Some city council members speculated that Boone was forced out.
Michael Goldsmith took over as interim chief following Boone’s departure. Goldsmith served as chief from 2012-16 before moving over to city administration.
The city has been battling an increase in violent crime and police staffing shortages. As of July, the city’s police officer vacancy rate was more than 30%.
Morris & McDaniel has over 45 years of human resources experience in the public and private sectors, according to its website. The firm has worked with numerous police departments in the past, including the New York City Police Department, Richmond Police Department and Newport News Police Department.
The firm also assisted the U.S. Department of Defense in assessing candidates for the Iraqi Civilian Police Force during the Iraq War, according to its website.
Daniel Berti, daniel.berti@virginiamedia.com
