Marcus Jones Confirmed As Montgomery County Police Chief

GAITHERSBURG, MD — The Montgomery County Council on Monday unanimously confirmed Marcus Jones as the county's new police chief.

Jones, a 34-year veteran of the force, served as acting top cop since Chief J. Thomas Manger retired in the spring.

"When called on to become the acting chief of police, Jones didn't hesitate. He jumped in with both feet because the men and women in his department needed a leader," Council President Nancy Navarro said. "As acting chief, he comported himself the way he always does — with integrity and professionalism. He also didn't shy away from controversial issues, understanding that we have high expectations for all our County employees to protect and serve our community fairly."

Jones, who is black, took over around the time the department was investigating an officer who used a racial slur while talking to black men. The video, which has been circulating online, was captured during an interaction between officers and four men at the McDonald's in Silver Spring.

In September, County Executive Marc Elrich nominated Jones to fill the position permanently. But he wasn't Elrich's first choice. The two finalists were Takoma Park Police Chief Antonio DeVaul — who took himself out of the running in July — and former Portsmouth, Virginia police chief Tonya Chapman — who pulled her name from consideration a month later.

Elrich said he felt it was important to look outside the department for a new top cop.

Though Jones was passed over for promotion twice, Elrich ultimately decided that Jones would "carry out the changes" he wanted to see.

"Jones shares our common goal of ensuring that Montgomery County is a safe and welcoming community where every police officer treats all residents with respect and dignity regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion or class," Navarro said. "He will lead the County's highly respected police team by protecting and serving all residents."