Mayor Jones announces new chief of police

A retired police official has been tapped to lead Richmond’s force.

February 12, 2013; 9:34 AM • by Nathan Cushing

This morning, Mayor Jones announced Ray Tarasovic will be the new chief of police, replacing Bryan Norwood, who’s held the position since 2008.

“We’ve reached a mutual agreement that his time as Richmond Police Chief has come to an end,” Jones said about Norwood. “We certainly wish Chief Norwood much luck in his endeavors going forward.”

Ray Tarasovic was previously the City’s assistant police chief for three years until he retired in 2008. Tarasovic said this is the fifth time he’s come out of retirement to serve.

“I love this city and I will serve this city,” said Tarasovic, who resides in the Fan. “I am honored and pleased to rejoin the Richmond Police Department.”

The Mayor touted Tarasovic’s 30 years of management and executive experience, most recently his consulting service with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.

“I believe in intensity and energy in everything we do,” Tarasovic said about what he will do as chief of police. “We will work hard, and we will work smart, and we will work focused.”

He will begin his new role effective tomorrow.

Last week, Los Angeles prosecutors associated the Richmond Police with improper record keeping of singer Chris Brown’s area community service.

Earlier this year, Norwood was one of three finalists for role of chief of police in Raleigh, NC, but was not selected.