Richmond’s police chief has resigned. Mayor Levar Stoney announced the change in leadership late Tuesday afternoon.
Stoney called the police department good, but said more change is needed. "A civilian review board is a step forward. The Marcus Alert is a step forward but it’s not enough," Stoney said in a news conference. "I am committed to reimagining public safety. And I’m committed to taking a holistic approach that takes into account accountability, transparency, funding, practices and above all community engagement."
Stoney called on city council to start working on legislation to build a Citizen Review Board. He said he'll also create a task force to reimagine public safety. The task force will come up with a set of actionable recommendations within 90 days of its formation. "One thing is clear after the last two weeks," Stoney said. "Richmond is ready for a new approach to public safety."
Stoney also criticized the lack of support at all levels of government for social services and mental health needs. Too often, Stoney argued, police officers are asked to respond to too many types of crises.
Smith’s resignation came after two nights of protests outside police headquarters that were met with pepper spray and flash grenades. Major William “Jody” Blackwell has been appointed interim chief.
Stoney said he wants peaceful protesters to be heard. But he also said some people are undermining those peaceful protests. "As a black man, I can tell you that you are not doing the cause justice. You are undermining the cause." Stoney encouraged people to mark Juneteenth as a day of reflection, a day of service and a day of healing.
