Norristown Narrows Police Chief Search To Final 3, Public Will Help Choose

NORRISTOWN, PA — Norristown residents will get the chance to interview candidates for the new chief of police at a pair of upcoming meetings, as municipal council draws nearer to a final decision.

The council has selected three finalists following a months-long search. Their identities have not yet been disclosed.

Two public meetings will be held on July 10, at 10 a.m. and 6 a.m., at the municipal council chambers. Residents can submit questions here which will then be asked during the meeting.

“As we continue the search for Norristown’s next Chief of Police, it’s important that our community has a voice in the process," Municipal Council President Rebecca Smith said. "This forum is a chance for residents to share what matters most, and for candidates to share who they are and how they lead."

Norristown had initially set June 3 as the final "hire date" for the new chief, but the process has been slightly delayed.

The council hopes that the openness of the public forum will invest residents in the hiring process.

"It’s a starting point for real dialogue because strong public safety begins with public trust," Smith added.

Public trust has been a point of controversy regarding the police chief position. Last fall, former chief Jacqueline Bailey-Davis was put on administrative leave for reasons that were never disclosed.

Weeks later, she resigned. Despite persistent pressure from the public and from other officials within Norristown government, municipal council refused to explain why she'd been placed on leave, or provide any clarity regarding the situation.

"Transparency quickly dissipates when it's maybe a topic that's not desirable, or you happen to disagree with your constituents," former Norristown councilwoman and community advocate Heather Lewis told the council back in December. "But to deny us the transparency is where distrust comes in."

Bailey-Davis, the first woman to ever hold the position, had only been in office since Jan. 1, 2024.

Norristown is now seeking their fourth new police chief in as many years. Norristown Lieutenant James Angelucci has served as interim chief since Bailey-Davis's departure.

Municipal council said that the three finalists for the chief position will continue with interviews with the council, municipal administrator, department heads, and other community leaders leading up to the July 10 meeting.

The specific date for the final decision has not yet been made clear, but officials said it would be made during a municipal council meeting in the future.

Council chambers are located in Municipal Hall on 235 E. Airy Street.