News Room

News Release

	Contact:
March 31, 2008	Mark S. Cox, APR Director of Public Communications 382-6241 (WK)
	-- or --
For immediate release	Heath E. Covey Public Information Coordinator 382-6241 (WK)

NEW POLICE CHIEF NAMED

CHESAPEAKE - Chesapeake City Manager William E. Harrell announced today that Kelvin L. Wright has been named as the City's new Police Chief. Wright, currently serving as a Major in the department, will assume the post effective April 1.

Wright was named Police Chief following an extensive, nationwide search begun when current Chief Richard A. Justice announced his retirement after 42 years with the City. Justice serves his final day with the City today, March 31st.

"I am extremely pleased to be able to bring an officer of Kelvin Wright's caliber to the office of Police Chief," said City Manager Harrell. "Chesapeake is a dynamic, diverse community, and I look forward to working with Chief Wright to continue to provide our residents with one of the safest cities in the nation."

As part of the search process, City officials sought input from a wide range of organizations and stakeholders, including the Commonwealth's Attorney, court representatives, the Police Department Citywide Citizen Advisory Group, the Council of Civic Organizations, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Chesapeake Coalition of Police, the NAACP, and the Chamber of Commerce Executive Board. Input was also gathered from the employees of the Chesapeake Police Department.

"The selection of a Police Chief is a defining moment in the life of a city," said City Manager Harrell. "It was crucial to continue our commitment to involving the public in the selection process." Harrell went on to say that the key elements each group wanted in a new Chief included "a visionary, able to lead by example, someone who can communicate well both up and down the chain of command and be accessible to staff and the public."

"We were fortunate to find, in Kelvin Wright, a dedicated public servant who embodies those qualities most important to our community," said City Manager Harrell.

Major Wright began his law enforcement career in Chesapeake in 1982 as a patrol officer. He rose through the ranks with posts as a Field Training Officer, in the Traffic Enforcement Section, and in Vice & Narcotics Investigation, among others. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1992, Lieutenant in 1996, and Major in 2003.

"I am extremely pleased about this opportunity to serve the citizens of Chesapeake," said Major Wright. "To be able to lead a group of sworn and non-sworn men and women as dedicated and capable as the Chesapeake Police Department is rare. I am excited about working with each of them, and with our citizens, to move the department forward while continuing our legacy of efficient, community-based policing."

Wright holds an associate's degree in Criminal Justice from Tidewater Community College, a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Saint Leo University, and a master's degree in Public Administration from Troy University. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Public Administration (Urban Policy) at Old Dominion University. Major Wright has taught Criminal Justice as an Adjunct Professor at Tidewater Community College since 2000.

Wright is a 22-year resident of Chesapeake. He and his wife Janet have two sons, Kelvin and Anderson. Wright will be paid an annual salary of $110,000. A photograph of Wright is available on the City's website, CityOfChesapeake.net, in the Press Room.

During the announcement news conference, City Manager Harrell also announced that one of Major Wright's first priorities will be a review of the Chesapeake Police Department's operations.

Carroll Buracker & Associates of Harrisonburg, Virginia, has been retained by the City to assist in the review process and develop a master plan for the future of the Police Department. The firm has evaluated and benchmarked management, staffing, investigation, human resources, and other areas for more than 140 small, medium and large municipalities nationwide. Among their local clients have been the City of Virginia Beach, the City of Portsmouth, and the City of Annapolis, Maryland.

Additional information about Carroll Buracker & Associates may be found on their website at www.CommunityPolicing.com.

The Chesapeake Police Department includes more than 400 sworn officers and over 150 non-sworn personnel. The department's annual budget is approximately $40 million.

For questions related to either the appointment of Kelvin L. Wright as Police Chief or the retention of Carroll Buracker & Associates, contact the Public Communications Department at (757) 382-6241.