NEWPORT NEWS — Rev. James Brown has been in this city for more than 60 years and has seen numerous police chiefs come and go.
He is now interested to see what new Police Chief Steven Drew has to offer.
Drew was named the next top cop of Newport News on May 24. He replaced Rick Myers, who retired in August.
“I would like to see a greater relationship between the police department and the public” Brown said. “I have worked with the police department in various ways throughout my life. I’ve known all the police chiefs, some good and some bad and as the police chief goes so does the police department.”
Drew is currently the deputy chief of patrol operations and business services for the Richmond Police Department. His tenure with the Newport News Police Department will begin July 2.
Drew will oversee a staff of 600 sworn and non-sworn personnel and an annual operating budget of $49 million, according to the city.
Brown said he commends the police force, but wants to see the crime rate drop. He said he’d like to see more officers and more training for officers.
To view the year-to-date crime stats for Newport News, visit here.
Drew spoke with residents during a meet and greet at the police headquarters Wednesday evening.
“I’m interested in our new police chief and what he brings to the table,” said resident Donna Grubbs, co chair of the local crime prevention group, CRIME.
CRIME aims to build positive partnerships between the community and police, strengthen families, increase opportunities for youth and reduce homelessness, according to their website.
Like Grubbs, most residents wanted to discuss how the police department could better engage the community and make Newport News a safer city.
“I have a neighborhood watch and came to meet the new chief,” said resident, Lou Ferra, who has lived in Newport News since 1970 and served on her neighborhood watch for the last 25 years.
Ferra said she didn’t have any pressing concerns but wanted to see the new chief face to face and express her excitement for Drew.
The new chief echoed the importance of collaboration.
“Together we can do a lot of great things in this city,” Drew said.
