News Room

News Release

CHESAPEAKE POLICE CHIEF TO RETIRE

CHESAPEAKE- Chesapeake City Manager William E. Harrell announced today that Police Chief Richard Justice will retire, effective April 1, 2008. Justice will have been with the City’s Police department for 42 years, having begun as a patrolman April 1, 1966. He was appointed Chief of Police in March 1997.

“Richard Justice has brought both a sense of continuity and a lifelong commitment to public safety,” said City Manager William E. Harrell. “Throughout his career, Chief Justice has taken the lead in making Chesapeake one of the safest cities of its size in the nation. While we will miss his daily presence, his influence will continue to be felt for years to come.”

During his tenure as Police Chief, Justice moved the department to a community-based policing model. This included the establishment of 5 geographic precincts throughout the City, with a 6th facility set to begin construction shortly in the Hickory area. Chief Justice also actively worked to secure local, state, federal and private grant monies, allowing for added training and extensive technological enhancements throughout the department.

Following the events of September 11, 2001, Justice worked to assure that all Chesapeake officers received specialized training to meet the threat of terrorist activity. He also took a lead role in partnering with the community to stem the growing danger of gang activity in Chesapeake.

“The past 42 years have seen tremendous growth and change in Chesapeake,” said Justice. “I’ve been privileged to know and work with many of the people who have made this such a vibrant, growing City. And I have been honored to serve with the finest law enforcement professionals one could ask for. Chesapeake is a better, safer city today thanks to their dedicated efforts.”

At this time, Chief Justice is continuing in his position and will assist with the transition process. The City Manager has directed the Human Resources Department to begin the search process, which is expected to include a community-input component. Over the coming weeks, the City Manager and Chief Justice will hammer out a comprehensive transition plan.

The Chesapeake Police department is composed of more than 525 sworn and civilian personnel. They serve in 5 precincts and numerous specialized divisions, ranging from SWAT and Canine units to Emergency Communications, Traffic Enforcement and Animal Control. For more information about the department, visit their pages on CityOfChesapeake.net.