Edwards Chosen as Permanent RPD Chief

Has Been Serving as Acting Chief Since October 2022
A police officer stands on stage, hands behind his back
Edwards stepped in last fall after Gerald Smith stepped down as Richmond Police Chief Photo credit David Lefkowitz, WRVA

Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) -- The Richmond Police Department has announced that officer Rick Edwards, who has been serving as acting chief since October 2022, has been officially selected as Richmond's next Chief of Police.

Edwards has been with RPD for almost 24 years. He stepped into the role on a temporary basis after Chief Gerald Smith resigned amid controversy surrounding police response following an alleged mass shooting plot in July 2022.

Featured Image Photo Credit: David Lefkowitz, WRVA