PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Portsmouth Interim Police Chief Stephen Jenkins has now been hired to permanently lead the city's police department.
Councilman DeAndre Barnes confirmed the hire to 13News Now on Thursday.
Jenkins has been with the Portsmouth Police Department for 20 years and has led the city for six months, after former Police Chief Renado Prince was ousted by the then-City Manager Tonya Chapman.
Here's a breakdown of recent shakeups in the city:
- July 05: Then-City Manager Tonya Chapman fires Chief Renado Prince after Prince told 13News Now exclusively that he accidentally included Chapman in a text thread with a message critical of the city manager.
- July 14: Chapman appears in a press conference alongside Stephen Jenkins, naming him the interim police chief. At the time, Jenkins said crime reduction, public safety, hiring and retention of staff, and the use of technology will all be focused on in the police department.
- January 3: Chapman is fired by the city council amid allegations that she failed to perform her duties as city manager. Mimi Terry is named interim city manager.
- January 5: Terry hires Jenkins as chief of police.
Now that Jenkins is officially head of the department, he told a crowd Thursday night the gun violence can’t continue.
"I need you. I need you. My officers need you," Jenkins said. "We need you to support us as we continue to safeguard the city."
City leaders said they believe he is the right person for the job.
"He has my support 100%," said Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover. "He has done an exemplary job of leading the effort in his department thus far."
Jenkins has worked in law enforcement since 1997 and has held different roles in the Portsmouth police department since 2003.
Newly elected Councilman Vernon Tillage said with all of the experience Jenkins brings with him, he looks forward to what the chief will bring to the table.
"He has a wealth of experience in law enforcement and he has served our city in different positions working his way up. So, I’m looking forward to his leadership," Tillage said.
Tillage said he wants city council to help Jenkins succeed.
"I would love to see a good strategic plan on how we’re going to combat crime, the resources the police department needs from the city council. You know, what can we as city council do to support him and to support the police force?"
Portsmouth police investigated a record 42 homicides last year, including five fatal shootings in what became a deadly week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
In a statement Thursday, Jenkins said he wants to work with the community to "eradicate this epidemic of gun violence." You can see his full statement below:
“I am humbled by this opportunity to lead the department in this capacity and look forward to continuing to guide the men and women of the Portsmouth Police Department as we serve and protect the citizens and businesses of the City of Portsmouth. I will continue to look for opportunities to work with the community as we strive to eradicate this epidemic of gun violence. I want to thank every person who has served as a mentor to me throughout my career and the leadership of the city for entrusting me with this enormous responsibility. To my family and friends, thank you for always supporting me throughout my career.”