Michael Trail Appointed Norristown’s Next Police Chief

NORRISTOWN, PA — Norristown Municipal Council is expected to appoint Michael Trail as the borough’s next police chief during a vote Tuesday evening. Council will also name James Angelucci as deputy chief. Trail is currently chief of police in Lansdale and is scheduled to begin his new role on Nov. 3.

“We welcome him to Norristown and look forward to seeing his experience and expertise guide his leadership in our community,” Council President Rebecca Smith said in a statement.

Trail will become Norristown’s fourth police chief in four years. Former Chief Jacqueline Bailey-Davis resigned in 2024 after less than one year in the position. Derrick Wood stepped down in 2022, and Mark Talbot left in 2021 after eight years as chief.

The Norristown Police Department serves about 35,000 residents and operates with a $16.3 million annual budget.

Trail brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience. He began his career in Morrisville in 1991 before serving in Baltimore starting in 1997. He joined the Lansdale Police Department in 2002 and worked his way up through the ranks, becoming chief in 2018. Trail is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.

Council officials say Trail was chosen from 51 applicants. The top three candidates participated in a public interview, allowing residents to hear directly from finalists before the council made its decision.

According to Smith, Trail’s background includes key priorities for Norristown: improving community trust, partnering with outside agencies to respond to mental health and housing needs, and strengthening recruitment within the department.

Trail did not immediately respond Friday to a request for comment.