WASHINGTON — With the news of Chief Robert J Contee III leaving the Metropolitan Police Department, the question on everyone's mind is who's next? DC officials will conduct a nationwide search for his replacement.
Contee announced Wednesday his plans to retire after more than 30 years with the department in order to join the FBI as an assistant director of partner engagement.
At a press conference Thursday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke about the nationwide search, saying she knows the department will be in good hands as Contee leaves behind a capable team, quoting Contee's motto of excellence is transferable.
Bowser did not name anyone as the interim chief during the press conference, saying Contee will serve in the position until his last day on June 3.
"The chief is the chief as long as he’s the chief," said Bowser. "We are continuing to talk about our preparation for the coming months.”
The job listing for the position appeared on the D.C. website Thursday.
"Are you ready to serve as the next DC Police Chief," the listing reads.
The job listing focuses on three reasons why MPD is a "special place," including community, diversity and LGBTQIA representation.
As for the preparation for Contee's departure, Bowser said D.C. Police are dealing with a historic low in terms of staffing and officials are doing what they can in order to recruit more officers.
If you are interested in applying, visit the D.C. government website.
While the nationwide search has started, there are several people within MPD that could be considered for the position.
Ashan Benedict is the Executive Assistant Chief of Police. He joined the department in 2021 coming from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The police department also has a slew of assistant police chiefs:
- Morgan Kane, Assistant Chief, Patrol Services North (PSN)
- Andre Wright, Assistant Chief, Patrol Services South (PSS)
- Leslie Parsons, Assistant Chief, Investigative Services Bureau
- Pamela Smith, Assistant Chief, Homeland Security Bureau
- Jeffery Carroll, Assistant Chief, Internal Affairs Bureau
- Pamela Wheeler-Taylor, Assistant Chief, Youth and Family Engagement Bureau
- Stuart Emerman, Assistant Chief, Technical and Analytical Services Bureau
- Michael Coligan, Assistant Chief, Professional Development Bureau