DC Police Chief Steps Down To Lead Prince William County Police

WASHINGTON, DC — Chief Peter Newsham of the Metropolitan Police Department announced Tuesday he would be stepping down as the District's top cop to become the new police chief for Prince William County in Virginia, according to a PWC press release. He will be starting his new job on Feb. 1, 2021.

“We are happy to welcome Chief Newsham to Prince William County and the level of expertise he brings to the position," Prince William County Executive Chris Martino said in the release.

Newsham joined MPD in 1989. Before becoming the chief in 2017, he served in several other leadership positions in the force, including assistant chief of police Investigative Services Bureau, assistant chief of police Internal Affairs Bureau, assistant chief of Police Regional Operations Command North, assistant chief of police Office of Professional Responsibility and district commander.

“I am excited to join the team and look forward to making a difference in the community,” Newsham said, in the release from Prince William County.

In a statement released shortly after Newsham's announcement, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser thanked the outgoing chief for his 31 years of service to the District.

"During his time as chief, he led the department through a time of great change and challenge for our city and our nation, and we appreciate his distinguished service to the District," she said, adding that an interim chief would be announced soon.

Phil Mendelson, the chairman of the D.C. Council, released a statement in which he said he was surprised as everyone else about the news of Newsham's decision to leave MPD.

"I am sorry to see him leave after roughly three decades — a lot of service to the citizens of the District," he said. "Yet this presents an opportunity to try new approaches to law enforcement and new strategies to fight violent crime. We're losing a good cop, but sometimes a fresh face can be good, too."

The DC Police Union wished Newsham luck in his now job in a post on its Twitter account.

"Chief Newsham has led a storied and decorated career serving the District of Columbia and its residents for over 30 years. His contributions to the MPD will not be soon forgotten," the union said.

The DC Police Union wishes Chief Newsham the best in his new role as Chief of PWC Police. Chief Newsham has led a storied and decorated career serving the District of Columbia and its residents for over 30 years. His contributions to the MPD will not be soon forgotten. https://t.co/UOQHFEBzZz
— DC Police Union (@DCPoliceUnion) November 25, 2020