Elrich Nominates Marcus Jones As Montgomery's New Police Chief

ROCKVILLE, MD — Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich on Monday nominated acting police chief Marcus Jones to fill the position permanently, after two of his top picks withdrew their names from consideration.

A 34-year veteran of the force, Jones was among two dozen candidates vying to become Montgomery County's next police chief. The vacancy was created when longtime Montgomery County Police Chief Thomas Manger retired in April. Jones wasn't Elrich's first choice for the position. 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.

When Elrich chose Chapman to lead the county's 1,300-member force after DeVaul dropped out, some residents worried that he had made the wrong decision.

In March, Chapman resigned as police chief in Portsmouth after years of clashes with other officers and low police morale, according to multiple media outlets.

"This is a critical nomination that I take very seriously," Elrich said in a statement Monday. "For the last five months, we have conducted the most open and inclusive police chief search in the County's history.

"I have heard from residents, community-based organizations, labor leaders, religious leaders and County Council members, who have clearly stated what they want to see in their police chief. They don't want the status quo. They want to see changes that will make a good department even better and rebuild trust that has been shaken by some recent interactions between officers and members of the public," Elrich continued.

The Democrat added that he felt it was important to look outside the department for a new top cop, which is why he eventually nominated Chapman for the position.

"However, Marcus and I have discussed my expectations and I am confident that he shares my vision and will carry out the changes I want to see," said Elrich.

Jones is the force's second interim police chief after Thomas Manger retired back in April. Assistant Chief Russell E. Hamill III — a former commander of the MCPD's Bethesda district — was the first acting chief of police. However, in May, Hamill left the force to become Laurel's chief of police.

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 response to this video, community activists held a rally, march, and press conference in May.

This isn't the first time the force's procedures or interactions with residents have sparked controversy.

In June of 2018, 41-year-old Robert Lawrence White, a black man, was fatally shot by a Montgomery County Police officer in the parking lot of a Silver Spring townhouse community. White's death sent shockwaves through the region.

Nearly a year after White's death, the officer who fatally shot him was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Jones has told Elrich that he is ready to take on the challenges that come with leading a large police force in the minority-majority county.

"I am deeply appreciative of County Executive Elrich asking me to serve as the Chief of Police for Montgomery County," Jones said. "It is an honor. Throughout this process, the County Executive has made it very clear that he wants to see a change in the culture of this department. I am committed to fulfilling his vision and will work diligently to strengthen the relationship between the Montgomery County Police Department and all the communities we serve and protect."

In order to become top cop, Jones has to be vetted by the county council.

"I look forward to County Executive Elrich sending over his nomination for the next police chief, and like all other potential candidates, the Council will conduct its due diligence in reviewing this nomination," said County Council President Nancy Navarro.

If approved, Jones will become the county's 17th police chief and the third African American to hold the position.