November 7, 2007

Charlotte City Manager Curt Walton today announced that Darrel Stephens, chief of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), will retire March 1, 2008 after eight years of overseeing a 13 Division Department of more than 2,000 employees  responsible for the safety and well being of nearly 730,000 city-county residents and thousands of visitors annually.

"Chief Stephen's leadership will no doubt leave a legacy on our City and we will continue to benefit from his vision and the many programs he put into place to keep our citizens feeling safe for generations to come," says City Manager Curt Walton. "And by giving his notice months in advance the Chief is helping to ensure a smooth transition until the next Chief is selected."

"I have been honored to lead the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and privileged to work in this city. Charlotte is blessed with strong political, municipal and community leaders who do what is necessary to sustain and enhance our quality of life," said Chief Stephens.

While the CMPD has long been recognized as a national leader in policing, Chief Stephens is extremely proud of the accomplishments of the past eight years. The current crime rate is one of the lowest since 1981. CMPD has focused efforts on making Charlotte-Mecklenburg a safer place by establishing problem-solving partnerships and expanding police services.  The CMPD has responded to the challenges of homeland security while adjusting resources to improve hometown safety. The technological investments made have substantially improved organizational and information-sharing efficiencies. The Gang Intelligence Unit and Gang of One programs were established to combat the growing problems of youth gangs.

Chief Stephens adds "We sought and obtained legislative changes that provide officers with more tools to address a range of public safety issues. There is still much to be done and I am confident the men and women of the CMPD – who are the finest law enforcement has to offer – stand ready to confront the challenges ahead."

Chief Stephens was appointed Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief in September 1999. He has served as police chief in St. Petersburg, FL (1992-97), Executive Director of the Washington, DC based Police Executive Research Forum (1986-92), police chief in Newport News, VA (1983-86), police chief in Largo, FL (1979-83), assistant chief in Lawrence, KS (1976-79), and  police officer, sergeant, and unit commander in Kansas City, MO (1968-76). 

He also served for two years as the St. Petersburg, FL City Administrator (1997-99).  He is recognized nationally for his contributions to problem oriented policing which has its roots in Newport News while he served as chief.

In 2006 Chief Stephens was elected president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association and in 2005, he received the prestigious Police Executive Research Forum's Leadership Award and was elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. He has co-authored several books and published many articles on policing issues. 

He holds a BS degree in the Administration of Justice from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and an MS degree in Public Administration from Central Missouri State University, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree in 2006.

The City Manager will develop a process for selecting a new chief over the next several weeks.