Media Advisory
July 19, 2023
Contact: Petula Burks
Phone: 804.646.6311
petula.burks@rva.gov

The City of Richmond Selects New Police Chief

Richmond, VA – After a nationwide search, the City of Richmond has named Acting Chief Richard “Rick” Edwards as the city’s new police chief. Edwards has nearly 24 years of law enforcement experience with the Richmond Police Department.

“After numerous interviews, community surveys, and conversations with partners and stakeholders, Rick stood out among all the applicants,” said Lincoln Saunders, the City of Richmond’s Chief Administrative Officer. “He brings decades of experience to this role and has a solid reputation throughout the region. We are excited about his leadership and his commitment to further improving our community.”

Since being appointed as Interim Police Chief, Rick Edwards has worked tirelessly to re-establish trust both within the department and the community. He has implemented new core values, updated policies, and initiated the new body-worn camera release policy. His experience ranges from operational and administrative aspects of policing, including patrol operations, criminal investigations, developing strategies for crime reduction and community engagement, and responding to and addressing security threats.

“I am honored to be selected as the new police chief for The City of Richmond,” Rick Edwards said. “Our goal will be to continue to make the city a safe place for our residents and visitors. I am committed to leading an efficient, well-managed department that is rooted in service to the Richmond community.”

“As Interim Chief, Rick Edwards has been an incredible leader for the City of Richmond. His almost 24 years with RPD have prepared him to meet the challenges our community faces,” said Mayor Levar Stoney. “Rick understands that public safety is at its best when it involves members of the community and law enforcement. I can think of no one better suited for this role at this time than Chief Rick Edwards. I look forward to continuing our work to serve the public and address the pressing public safety issues of our city.”

The City of Richmond would like to thank the PoliHire, the City’s Human Resources Department, and the interview panel for their cooperation and diligence throughout the selection process. Most importantly, the City thanks its residents for their patience. The process was a strenuous one that included panel interviews, one-on-one interviews, along with extensive background checks.

The Process
In March 2023, the City of Richmond engaged POLIHIRE to lead an executive search to identify the next Chief of the City’s Police Department.
POLIHIRE announced the position via its networks and relevant platforms on April 4, 2023.

To better understand what the community of Richmond hoped for in a Police Chief, POLIHIRE spoke with members of the City Council as well as with leaders in the greater Richmond community. POLIHIRE also created a survey specifically for the staff of the Richmond Police Department.

POLIHIRE received and processed 26 applications for the Police Chief position. Of those 26 applicants, POLIHIRE conducted initial screenings of the most qualified and identified four to move forward in the process. Of the four invited for interviews, three accepted the invitation to proceed.

Interviews were held during the week of July 10, 2023. 10 leaders of both the City government and the broader Richmond community were invited to participate on the interview panel; 9 accepted.

The Panel
Interviewing for the new chief is a daunting task. The interview panel for the police chief was a diverse group of elected officials, city staff, and community leaders.
Panelists included:

• Michael Jones (City Council President)
• Sabrina Joy-Hogg (Deputy CAO)
• Maggie Anderson (Mayor's Chief of Staff)
• Tyrome Alexander (HR Director)
• James Millner (RVA PRIDE)
• James Minor (NAACP)
• Carl Scott (RCOP)
• Dr. William Pelfrey (VCU)
• Pastor Robert Winfree
• Lyons Sanchezconcha*

* Invited but did not participate

The Consensus
Following the interview process, the panel unanimously determined that Interim Chief Edwards was the perfect choice to be Police Chief and to continue to lead the men and women of the Richmond Police Department. They noted that he was very well prepared and expressed a strong desire to lead the police force.

City Council President Michael Jones: "As Council President and representative of the 9th District, I am proud to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of Interim Chief Rick Edwards. His innovative approach within the Richmond Police Department is crucial as we envision the department's future. I have yet to arrive at a tragic scene in a neighborhood and not see Chief Edwards. We require a leader who can adapt swiftly and proactively. He has not only demonstrated exceptional leadership but has also displayed a remarkable ability to anticipate challenges, making him a true visionary who values collaboration and inclusivity.

In our community, collaboration and inclusivity are paramount qualities we seek in a police chief. Chief Edwards has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the people, ensuring that every individual is acknowledged and their voices are heard."

Deputy CAO Sabrina Joy-Hogg: "Chief Edwards is fully aware of what’s going on and the challenges facing the department and policing nationally. He brings years of on-the-job experience coupled with state and federal training, respect from across the department and city, and an understanding that this job is not easy, which makes him the right choice for Chief. He knows Richmond. And more importantly, Richmond knows Chief Edwards.”

Maggie Anderson, Mayor's Chief of Staff: “Being the Chief of Police is not an easy job. It takes patience, understanding, dedication, creativity, and an unwavering passion to serve all. Chief Edwards has shown all of those characteristics during his decades of service to RPD and while serving as the Acting Chief of Police. It is clear when you talk to him how much he loves Richmond. I look forward to continuing to work with and learn from him as our new Chief.”

Tyrome Alexander, HR Director: “As the leader of our largest law enforcement unit for the City of Richmond, the chief must be aware and in tune with the officers and the community. Not only is he aware, he satisfies the job requirements set forth in the position description. From day one as Interim Chief, Rick has made his fellow officers and the Richmond community his top priority. The Chief has a strong understanding the Richmond community and the importance of enhancing diversity and inclusion within the ranks of the Police Department. I look forward to working with him as Police Chief.”

James Millner, VIRGINIA PRIDE: “Every candidate we interviewed was great, but Rick was exceptional. His deep love for the city, his understanding of its diversity, and his knowledge of the department make him the right choice for chief of police.”

James Minor, NAACP: “From the beginning of his Interim appointment, Rick made a concerted effort to re-engage with the community at all levels. He was intentional in
reaching out not just to the NAACP but other organizations to have authentic conversations about hard topics. This is the type of leader we need for the Police Department and for our community.”

Carl Scott, RCOP: “RCOP looks forward to working with the new Chief in making the agency equitable and fair for our officers while developing better community relations. As with any Chief, RCOP will hold him to high standards and work together toward progress.”

Dr. William Pelfrey, VCU: “As a researcher who has studied crime in Richmond and policing in cities across the United States, I am confident that Chief Edwards is the right choice to lead the Richmond Police Department. Chief Edwards combines experience across many of the RPD units, in-depth knowledge of Richmond, and a dedication to success that could not be matched. In our interview, I saw a clear orientation towards the success and improvement of Richmond and a personal story that helped Chief Edwards stand out, particularly relative to his integrity and commitment to the officers and civilians that comprise RPD. I have every confidence in the success of the Richmond Police Department with Chief Edwards at the helm.”

Media Opportunities with Chief Edwards:
• Wednesday, July 19, 2023, 5 PM: City of Richmond Police Department community walk in Brookside
• Thursday, July 20, 2023, 10 AM: Quarterly Crime Briefing at Police Headquarters, Focus Room
Media opportunity with Chief Edwards and City Leadership
• Monday, July 24, 2023, 3 PM: Official Swearing-In Ceremony, Council Chambers

~ No residential trash, recycling or bulk and brush collections on the Fourth of July holiday ~

RICHMOND, Va. – In observance of the Fourth of July 4 holiday, the Department of Public Works will be closed Tuesday, July 4. There will be NO residential trash, bulk and brush or recycling collection July 4. All collections will be delayed by one day. Collections scheduled for pick-up Tuesday, July 4 will be picked up Wednesday, July 5 and so on through Friday, July 7.

Also closed July 4:

• The East Richmond Road Convenience Center (ERRCC - Landfill), located at 3800 East Richmond Road

• The Robin Hood Road Drop-Off Recycling location, 1700 Robin Hood Road

• The Richmond Southside Transfer Station, located at 3520 North Hopkins Road

For more information on the Department of Public Works, please visit us online at rva.gov/public-works or email us at askpublicworks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on Twitter @DPW_RichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 195 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting;  graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1.

As part of the 66^th annual Festival of Arts, the City of Richmond is hosting its Fourth of July celebration at Dogwood Dell on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

This free event will feature the Richmond Concert Jazz Band beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Richmond Concert Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. with a concert of patriotic and pop music. The evening’s fireworks display will be accompanied by the Richmond Concert Band playing “The 1812 Overture” at 9:15 p.m. The public is welcome to bring small coolers (glass bottles or alcohol are not allowed) or have the option of purchasing food from one of the vendors that will be on site. 

As always, we have taken every measure to help ensure the safety of our city, our residents, and our visitors. The Richmond Police Department is prepared to support and respond with the help of our partners, the Virginia State Police and the Department of Capitol Police. If you see something that alarms you or looks suspicious, please call or text 911.

Parking and Shuttle Availability

Parking is available at Dogwood Dell, with overflow parking at City Stadium, 3201 Maplewood Avenue, with free shuttle bus service from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

No Parking Areas

Richmond Police Department will enforce the following no parking areas from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on July 4. Towing will be enforced beginning at 2 p.m. A map can be seen here. 

• 700-1000 block of Blanton Avenue  between Garrett Street and Grant Street (Both sides)

• 400- 600 block S. Arthur Ashe Boulevard between Blanton and Idlewood Avenue (Both sides)

• 00-2200 block Park Drive between Pump House Dr. and Blanton Avenue (Both sides)

• 2600 block Idlewood Avenue between S. Arthur Ashe Boulevard and S. Robinson Street  (Both sides)

• Trafford Road (Police Memorial Way)

• 1000 block South Belmont between Grant Street and Garrett Street (both sides)

• 2900-3200 block Douglasdale Road between Blanton Avenue and Douglasdale Road

• 400-3600 block McCloy Street / Douglasdale Road between Idlewood Avenue and Portland Place

• 1400-2000 block Pump House Drive (Both Sides)

• 400-600 block S. Sheppard Street (Both Sides) between Blanton Avenue and  Idlewood Avenue

• 2000-2400 block Maplewood Avenue (Median Only) between S. Meadow Street and S. Davis Avenue

• 2000-2400 block Rosewood Avenue (Median Only) between S. Meadow Street and S. Davis Avenue

• 2900-3100 block Garrett Street (Both Sides) between Blanton Avenue and S. Belmont Avenue (Bus Route)

• 3500-3600 block Douglasdale Road (Both Sides) between Douglasdale Road and Portland Place

Arthur Ashe Closure

Arthur Ashe Boulevard at Idlewood Avenue will close to vehicular traffic beginning at 6 p.m.

Keep It Safe – No Celebratory Gunfire

Richmond Police Department reminds the public that what goes up must come down; celebratory gunfire is dangerous and puts your friends and family in jeopardy. Random gunfire that results in bodily injury to another person is considered a Class 6 felony and can carry a penalty of up to five years of incarceration (Code of Virginia 18.2-280).

Firework Use

Use and possession of fireworks in the Richmond city limits is also illegal and is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor with penalties of up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine (Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code).

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Who: Blasting Services, Inc. (Contractor)

What: Removal of bedrock and granite through a controlled blasting process

Why: Hardened ground resistant to the pneumatic drill process needs to be removed for the installation of two pipelines. One for sewer and the other for sanitation. When: Monday, June 26, 2023 – Friday, July 7, 2023. The blasting on June 26th will occur at 9:00 AM. The subsequent dates will have a detonation time of 3:00 PM. There will be NO blasting on the weekends and NO blasting on the 4th of July.

Where: Riverside & Southcliff Project site. The parcels are listed as 2001-2009 Southcliff Road and 4610-4612 Riverside Drive What residents will hear prior to blasting: Warning Signal - A series of Long Horns up to 5 Minutes prior to clearing the area. Blast Signal - A series of short horns 1 minute prior to the shot. All Clear Signal - A prolonged horn following the inspection of blast. Area: The size of the detonation is approximately 10’ x 15’.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the permit timeline? The permit timeline is three (3) weeks, from June 26 to July 14, 2023. This timeframe allows for site assessment to determine if any additional detonations will be needed after July 7, 2023.

2. Are there any utility lines in the blasting area? The blasting impacts private property. As a result, there is NO impact on the utilities located in the public right of way. Background Information and Frequently Asked Questions about the Riverside and Southcliff Project Site

3. How long can residents expect each blasting session to last? Each blasting session will last up to 30 minutes.

4. Who do I contact if there is damage to my home or property? Contact the blasting company directly at (804) 749-4923, and they will put you in contact with their insurance company.

5. How can I review the plans? Send a Freedom of Information Act (F.O.I.A) request to petula.buks@rva.gov. If you have additional questions about the FOIA process, call (804)225-3056 or (866)448-4100.

6. How will the site be kept safe? The contractor will have individuals on-site surrounding the area to ensure no one comes into the blasting zone. There will be signs posted and red danger tape outlining the area. Additionally, there will be at least one Fire Marshal present every day.

7. What could delay a detonation? Heavy rain during the time of detonation will stop the detonations for the day.

Click here to download

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) will host the 2nd Annual Jubilation in June Festival on Sunday, June 18, co-sponsored with Radio One Richmond and Unlocking RVA at Intermediate Terminal (3101 Wharf Street) beginning at 3 p.m. This festival will feature performances from Richmond’s Thea Paul, the Virginia Union University gospel choir, national recording group WanMor, KAMAUU, and DJs from Power 92.1 and Kiss Richmond. The evening will culminate with the multi-platinum Grammy Award Winning group Arrested Development, whose distinctive celebration of Boom Bap & Classic Hip Hop Style, flow, vibe, influential wordplay, and infectious soundscapes will be the background to this year’s fireworks display.

“We’re excited to be in the second year of this new tradition for the City of Richmond, as a reminder that it is not just a celebration of freedom but also one of opportunity, equity, and access,” says Priscilla Wright, Special Event Manager for the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities. “It brings us jubilation to celebrate this event where many enslaved people first stepped foot in America.”

Those that plan to attend the event can park at the Main Street Station parking lot for free and catch the GRTC Pulse bus to the East River Front Station. On-street parking will not be available on East Main Street between the roundabout and Nicholson Street.

For more information about the department, follow PRCF on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit our website.