City of Winston-Salem announces William Penn Jr. as new police chief; has served city for 25 years
'The appointment is effective immediately'
'The appointment is effective immediately'
'The appointment is effective immediately'
The city of Winston-Salem has announced that Assistant Chief William Penn Jr. will be Winston-Salem’s new police chief. The appointment is effective immediately.
Penn was selected from among four finalists for the position, including Assistant Police Chief Jose “Manny” Gomez and Assistant Police Chief Wilson S. Weaver II, both of the Winston-Salem Police Department, and Police Chief Scott C. Booth of the Danville Police Department.
In selecting Penn, 48, City Manager Lee Garrity said that he was looking for a strong leader who knows the community and one who can move the department forward, especially in addressing numerous vacancies.
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“It’s vital that our next police chief is able to inspire confidence within the department, to improve morale and to make the Winston-Salem Police Department a place where dedicated officers come to build careers,” Garrity said.
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Penn currently commands the Investigative Services Bureau and has served as District 1 commander, support services commander, and has worked with the foot patrol, vice and narcotics and crime prevention divisions. He has served with the police department for 25 years.
Penn pledged to lead the department, and the city, through a challenging period marked by violence, a news release said.
“Although I’m honored and excited about the opportunity to lead this department, the gravity of this position is not lost on me,” Penn said. “As we are all reeling over the despicable video of the Tyre Nichols’ killing, I want to assure the community that the actions depicted in the video do not represent the Winston-Salem Police Department and our values.
Penn added, "the violence in our community must stop and we must all work together to provide healthy alternatives to violence to resolve conflict.”
A formal swearing-in ceremony date will be announced soon.
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