Despite Protests Newsham Sworn In As Prince William Police Chief

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Despite objections from some residents over his past tenure as DC police chief, Peter Newsham officially became Prince William County's fifth police chief at a ceremony on Monday, Feb. 1. The private ceremony was held at the Charlie Deane Station in Woodbridge.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors named Newsham as the new chief in November. Barry Barnard, the county's previous police chief, retired in July. Newsham was approved by the Board of County Supervisors in a 7-1 vote. Woodbridge Supervisor Margaret Franklin was the only representative to vote against Newsham's hiring.

Since the announcement of his hiring, several county residents have voiced their opposition to the county's decision. Protests were held as recently as Jan. 31, when several dozen residents gathered outside the McCoart building and held a rally expressing their disappointment in the supervisors' decision to hire Newsham.

Detractors said Newsham has a poor track record on civil rights and civil liberties in D.C. They also criticized the county for not involving residents in the hiring process.

Protesters have launched a community-run hotline where residents can report instances of police abuse in Prince William County. The new hotline can be reached at 571-249-2975. The hotline is not staffed, but residents can leave a message detailing their experiences with the Prince William Police Department.

Despite these recent protests, the Prince William County government has not held any further meetings or forums on Newsham's hiring.

See also: Protesters Call For Police Chief To Be Fired in Prince William

Chris Martino is the county executive in Prince William County. He is the county's chief administrative officer and oversees the government's day-to-day operations, according to his website.

"I believe and fully expect Chief Newsham will build on the long tradition that we have here in Prince William County," Martino said in a press release. "…a very strong Prince William County police force, a culture that’s been developed over the four prior chiefs and many people that have come through our police force."

"To the residents of Prince William County, we cannot be successful without you,” Newsham said in the press release announcing his swearing-in. "I’m looking forward to meeting each of you and I pledge to you to work every day to continue developing the trust that is essential for us to be successful in our profession."

Chief Newsham is now in charge of a police department with a budget of more than $113 million dollars. The Prince William County Police Department has over 900 staff members, and a jurisdiction covering almost 350 square miles.