Chief joins Richmond force

Bryan T. Norwood Richmond's new police chief was sworn in yesterday and vowed to maintain the department's forward momentum, immerse himself in the community and provide the support his new officers need.

Bryan T. Norwood, the former chief in Bridgeport, Conn., was sworn in at Virginia Union University before about 300 people, including city leaders, politicians, Richmond police officers and heads of other law enforcement agencies.

Norwood said he believes in the essence of policing and respects both the power that officers have in shaping a community and the dangers they face on the job.

"I also know that this is God's work; it does not come without sacrifice," Norwood said. "Every day, police officers in this city risk their lives to protect others."

Norwood said he sees few changes he needs to make and will focus his first few days on getting to know his officers and other community members.

Norwood's future in Richmond is uncertain. He was named chief by outgoing Mayor L. Douglas Wilder, but he will soon have a new boss, as Richmond voters go to the polls today to elect a new mayor.

"It's a little unnerving," Norwood said after his speech. "However, I'm very excited at the same time."

Wilder said after his remarks that he would do everything he could to make sure Norwood stays in Richmond, describing the chief as an inspirational force. In his remarks yesterday, the mayor thanked Maj. David M. McCoy for serving as interim chief and continuing the progress of former chief Rodney Monroe, who is credited with sharp reductions in crime. Monroe left Richmond in June to be chief in Charlotte-Mecklenburg County, N.C.

Norwood was joined at yesterday's ceremony by relatives including his parents and sister, all of whom live in Hampton. The chief's father, Alexander Norwood, spoke during the ceremony on topics ranging from his son's interest in motorcycles and the martial arts to his strong work ethic and compassion.

Chief Norwood repeated his commitment to community policing. He touched on the importance of officer safety, which has been one of his highest priorities since one of his officers in New Haven, Conn., was shot as he stood at Norwood's side in 2002.

Norwood graduated from Hampton University and started working for the New Haven Police Department in 1989, rising to the rank of assistant chief by the time he left in 2006 to be chief in Bridgeport.

He left Bridgeport at a tumultuous time, as the city faced a budget crisis that prompted cuts in Norwood's overtime budget. Also, 10 officers were given notice that they would be laid off.

Norwood said he will be living in Richmond's Jackson Ward area, where he plans to immerse himself in the city and "help be a part of the solution process."

"My mission is simple: to continue to provide the Richmond Police Department with the training, the equipment and the support that they need," Norwood said.
Contact Reed Williams at (804) 649-6332 or .