Greensboro is about to start the process of finding its next top cop.
Police Chief John Thompson, who’s been with the city for 23 years, plans to kick back and retire in February 2026.
With that announcement now public, the city has hired Developmental Associates – an executive search firm that’s worked with Greensboro government before – to run a national search for the most qualified candidates.
As part of that effort, the city wants to hear from both police employees and the public. Officials say that that community input will help shape the profile of Greensboro’s next police chief – and they’re holding several public meetings in November in order for residents to weigh in.
The meetings will take place on the following dates:
- Wednesday, November 19, from 6 pm to 8 pm, Craft Recreation Center, 3911 Yanceyville St.
- Thursday, November 20, from 6 pm to 8 pm, Peeler Recreation Center, 1300 Sykes Ave.
- Friday, November 21, from 12 pm to 2 pm, Lindley Recreation Center, 2907 Springwood Dr.
City officials say they’re also gathering input from key staff inside the police department.
A second round of community meetings for this purpose is being scheduled for December.
Anyone wanting to participate who needs language access or interpreter help can contact the Community Relations Office at 336-373-2723.
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And how much money has it cost to hire Developmental Associates? All so that they can recommend some DEI Hot Shot from the other end of the country, who checks all the boxes, but knows nothing about Greensboro and will be off like a shot to the next municipality who offers a bigger pay cheque.
What absurdity.
“And that’s the way it is.”
GSO has relaxed traffic control on its city streets. 35 mph is a joke as people are regularly driving 60 mph + +. The city and its citizens are going to pay the price. WE NEED VISIBLE POLICE THAT ARE ACTIVE. IT IS THE ONLY THING THAT WORKS. DO IT BEFORE THE DEATHS COME.
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Mike, I agree that 35mph Speed Limits are a joke and are universally ignored, but that is because they are too low and everyone can see it. I remember when the Speed Limit on East Cone Blvd. was 55mph. I thought it was too high, since many residential driveways connect. It was reduced to 45mph, which is about right. Then, following political pressure from residents, it was further reduced to 35mph, which is ridiculously low for a divided highway with gentle curves and long sight lines.
So now everyone ignores the speed limit (including the police) – because it’s a joke.
Entering Oak Ridge, the limit on HWY 68 was 45mph for years until a local “mover & shaker” pushed to reduce it to 35mph in an attempt to save her failing restaurant. I guess she thought more people would stop in if they were forced to drive at a snail’s pace. The restaurant went belly up years ago – but we are still stuck with the speed limit.
These are the problems that are created when the setting of speed limits is taken from traffic engineers and hijacked by politicians – who are subject to political pressure.
Speed limits that are set too low make everyone “speeders” and create universal flouting of the law.
Most speed limits need to be raised significantly.
it’s cheaper/easier for taxpayers to just clear the wreckage & employment is created for mechanic, auto/human body repairers. pragmatism ? cynicism ?
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Markl – the master of The Immaculate Misconception.
‘misconception’ : premature ejaculation ?
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QED.
I hope that they don’t pay them more than the Governor of North Carolina.
Would they like to put a forum of the west side where we pay all the taxes? Oh wait, we know our opinion doesn’t matter.
Also quit spending money on consultants for your “National Search” when we all know it will be Stephanie Mardis or MJ Harris. It’s a waste of time and our precious money.
Yes, you can rest assured. One of the assistant chiefs will move into the chief’s position.
As well they should. Greensboro should never go looking for a new police chief outside the GPD. If an assistant chief can’t step up, and become the new chief, they shouldn’t be an assistant chief. You’ll never get a better chief that someone who has come up through the ranks, knows the city, the different neighborhoods, the hot spots for trouble, and knows the men and women working under him.
Do we really need an expensive nationwide search for a police chief? Is the department not big enough
that talent from within is developed?
“Talent” needs to be in quotes. The promotions rarely reflect talent or competence. Do the math.
it would inspire confidence if they look like hollywood actors: james bond, eastwood etc. let’s not have any short, fat, stuttering, cigar smoking midgets !
Why don’t hire from within? Or do you want someone outside that will adhere to your social agenda?
With this new city council it will not matter whether they are from inside or outside the agency. Council will just want a puppet to get their anti-police agenda moving forward. I pity the GPD and our citizens for what is soon to come. (If you think council doesn’t have a say…..riiiiight.)
What I expect of our next Police Chief needs to have wisdom, devotion to their subordinates, not cower or be influenced by the Mayor or city council. This would be your police department run it as you see fit. Be a leader not a puppet.
Advise council if you feel they are tying your hands by not allowing you or your department to effectively do their job without the fear of loosing their job. Flood neighborhoods in high crime areas with marked and unmarked units. Community policing, build trust and protect those who are not able to protect themselves. Instruct, teach your officers that justice does not see race, not everyone needs to be arrested and use their discretion. Most importantly teach your officers in tough times, to be ” tried by 12 not carried by 6″
Review GS 20‑114. Duty of officers; manner of enforcement.
( city council has in the past instructed the chief to advise the officers not to stop vehicles for minor infractions, however the law is the law, no matter what GSO city council states )
who is our favorite comedian? We need more clowns in office.
ukrainians are suffering because they made that mistake.
Yeah, the live next to you-know-who. Sorta like…..POLAND.
WWIII could easily begin in that region because of the wack there ?
Just “duck and cover”, you’ll be fine.
Maybe Mamdani has a brother or a close relative that would enjoy being run by our self-righteous city council.