Richmond, VA _ Tensions within the Richmond Police Department were evident Thursday afternoon, even as Mayor Levar Stoney was set to introduce interim Police Chief Jody Blackwell as the replacement for the newly fired former Chief William Smith. Blackwell was introduced by the Departments Public Information Officer after a group of concerned officers asked to meet with Mayor Stoney to express their concerns, which he agreed to do behind closed doors.
Blackwell, who recently served as chief of staff and has served with the Richmond Police force for 22 years, said he hoped to move the city forward, but also expressed the frustrations of members of the department in dealing with protests and demonstrations over the Minneapolis death of George Floyd and others. "We all share the same frustrations", said Blackwell. "None of us, not one police officer, not one community member, asked for what we're going through right now. From our officers, every decision has been a bad decision. It's been a double-edged sword. It frustrates me to no end."
Smith was asked to step down amid escalating clashes between police and protesters, some of whom have filed suit over the use of tear gas during a protest at the Robert E. Lee Monument June 1 just before a mandatory curfew was set to take place.
Blackwell expressed support for officers on the force saying, "I have some of the greatest men and women employed by the Richmond Police Department and they stand judged by people who refuse to even sit down and talk to us civilly."
The new interim Chief also appealed to members of the community saying, "We as a community need to step up and take our city back because too many sit in silence, and I hear fear. I'm afraid. However, my love for this city and my love for these men and women, it will not cause me a challenge as far as reacting. And we're going to get this city back."