CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Lt. Col. Frank Carpenter has been with Chesterfield Police for nearly 25 years. Now he's the department's next chief.
The county hired Carpenter following a nationwide search for the police department's ninth chief since 1914.
"Carpenter was chosen from among a talented, diverse pool of candidates following a comprehensive nationwide recruitment process led by an executive search firm," a Chesterfield County spokesperson wrote about the hire. "The firm conducted feedback sessions and surveys of police department employees and the community, and facilitated evaluations, interviews and background reviews of applicants."
Carpenter said he was "profoundly humbled" by the opportunity to lead Chesterfield's 500 sworn officers and 100+ civilians.
"The men and women of our department recognize the immense responsibility of serving a community that prioritizes public safety," he said in a statement.
Carpenter has served as deputy chief of operations since July 2023 where he oversaw performance, planning, and budgeting.
Former Chesterfield Police Chief Jeffrey Katz retired earlier this year and joined the FBI.
Carpenter said among the top issues he sees in the county are thefts from cars and domestic-related calls. He said community education was important to address those crimes.
"So they can secure things that are maybe insecure. But not only that, if they see something, say something as it relates to domestic-related crime," Carpenter said.
CBS 6 asked viewers what they wanted to see from the next chief.
We received answers like hiring more officers, increased patrols on roadways, and more transparency and accountability.
We asked Carpenter about the latter in reference to the department's decision not to release body-worn camera video in cases like the police shooting death of Charles Byers -- which Tyler Layne has reported extensively on.
Carpenter said he understands the concerns and that it was important to develop relationships with the community but added they'll continue to make decisions on an individual basis.
"It's not necessarily about sharing body-worn camera immediately, but it's about having conversations and maybe even sharing that video in a more secure-type environment, versus sharing it in the openness of the social media world," Carpenter said.
As he prepares to assume the role as Chesterfield's newest chief, Carpenter will become the first African-American to hold that position in the county.
A first he called significant, but added he doesn't want to be measured based on his race.
"I want to be measured based on the heart and the fact that I desire to serve this community, whether I'm Black, blue, green, yellow or pink," he said. "The bottom line is, I feel like I have something to offer this community, and I believe that the community would receive what it is I have to offer. And not only that, our police department will be better because of."
CBS 6 is committed to sharing community voices on this important topic. Email your thoughts to the CBS 6 Newsroom.
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