After a nation-wide search following the resignation of Chief Barnard, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors announced on Tuesday the hiring of Peter Newsham as the county’s new police chief.

Newsham is currently the Chief of Police of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., a position he has held since 2017. Washington, D.C., is a community of over 705,000 residents within 68 square miles and a Police Department of 4,500 total employees.

Like Prince William County, Washington, D.C. is a majority-minority locality. The Metropolitan Police Department has often faced scrutiny for their approach to racial relations and over-policing of Black and brown neighborhoods. The controversies surrounding the Metropolitan Police Department led protesters to demand Newsom’s firing earlier this year. 

“Chief Newsham brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this position,” said Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair-At-Large Ann Wheeler.

Newsham joined the Metropolitan Police Department in 1989 and progressed steadily through the ranks to his present rank of Chief of Police. Prior to his current appointment, Newsham served in various capacities within the department: 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.

According to a press release from the Prince William County Office of Communications, Newsham earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the College of Holy Cross, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law. He is a member of the Maryland Bar. He has attended numerous police executive trainings and seminars and is actively involved in the Major Cities Chief’s Association and the Police Executive Research Forum. Additionally, he has attended the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) training on Law and Society, and the ADL’s National Counter-Terrorism Seminar in Israel.

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

According to County officials, Newsham was selected by the BOCS as the top-ranked candidate following an extensive nationwide search with a public survey and competitive hiring process. The County received 50 applications from 16 states and Washington, D.C. The candidates went through an extensive vetting process as part of a contract with a recruiter, GovHR USA.

Newsham’s expected start date is February 1, 2021.

For more information on the Prince William County Police Department, visit www.pwcgov.org.