Roanoke City Manager Chris Morrill announced on Wednesday that Christopher C. Perkins has been selected as Police Chief for the City of Roanoke. This announcement culminates a three-month national search and recruitment process. Perkins will begin serving as Police Chief effective immediately.
Perkins, who has 17 years of progressive law enforcement experience, has been serving as Acting Police Chief since July 1, 2010 when Chief Joe Gaskins retired. Positions he has held since joining the Roanoke police force in 1992 include: Accreditation Manager, Major Crimes Squad Sergeant, Investigations Bureau Lieutenant, Investigations Bureau Captain, and Operations Deputy Chief.
The Roanoke City Police veteran was the unanimous pick of two panels according to Vivian Sanchez-Jones, a member of the community board that reviewed the qualifications for applicants for the position. Interviews took place over a three-month period and included the community, city workers and the input of Blacksburg police chief, Kimberly Crannis.
City Manager Chris Morrill met with neighborhood organizations, the NAACP, and the SCLC for input to the selection of a new police chief. Morrill said, “at the end we were able to narrow 68 applicants down to three.”
Members of the community selection panel included Mignon Chubb-Hale, Duke Curtis, Tammy Finley, Daniel Karnes, Brenda Hale, Laura Padgett, Vivian Sanchez-Jones and Clarice Walker.
Other local candidates for the top spot included Capt. Greg Staples and Lt. Mac Babb.
Morrill praised Perkins saying, “we are so fortunate to have someone who has come up through the ranks and not only knows the community but has taken every opportunity he can to improve his skills.”
He attended the FBI National Academy in 2010; Scenario-Based Executive Level Training in 2009; National Criminal Justice Command College in 2006; Political Leadership in 2006; Professional Executive Leadership School in 2004; Supervisors in Community Policing in 1999; IACP First-Line Supervision in 1999; and Leadership in Community Policing in 1998.
Perkins, 40, is married with one daughter. He does not currently live in the city but said he plans to move as soon as possible.
Morrill said, “Chris Perkins already has a track record of working closely with our neighborhoods and businesses. He has been one of the major catalysts in the Police Department’s efforts to use technology and strategic deployment of officers and equipment to reduce the crime rate.”
He graduated from Marion High School in Marion, VA., and earned a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Hollins University. In addition, he holds a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia.
Perkins will direct a staff of approximately 300 employees, of which 243 are sworn. He will also serve as the city’s representative and according to a city press release will be “working to build strong relationships with law enforcement agencies in the region and throughout the Commonwealth.”
Perkins, who faced a large phalanx of local media at the announcement, admitted to being “a little bit nervous” Wednesday – though he said he was “normally used to being in front of large crowds.” He gave accolades to all members of the police department, saying “the city should be very proud of the service these professionals provide and I only hope that I exceed their expectations as well as those of the citizens of this community.”
He then added, “I’m eager to get started.”
By Valerie Garner [email protected]
