Roanoke, Virginia – The City of Roanoke invites its residents to an engagement session with the final candidate for the Roanoke Police Chief position on Wednesday, August 30. The session is scheduled to be held at Berglund Hall within the Berglund Center from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Chief Scott Booth, currently serving as the Chief of Police in Danville, Virginia, will be available during this period to converse with the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to pose questions and relay their perspectives to both city representatives and administrative figures.
The City’s recent press release highlights some notable achievements from Chief Booth’s tenure in Danville. These milestones include a 40% decline in firearm-related homicides in 2018, a 22% overall reduction in violent crime in 2019, and a significant transition in 2020 from having the highest per capita violent crime rate in 2017 to achieving a 35-year low in overall crime. By 2022, there was a 50% reduction in reported violent crime since the implementation of a particular model.
City Manager Bob Cowell remarked, “The City’s vision is to appoint a Police Chief who will not only sustain the existing framework but will also intensify efforts in prevention, intervention, and enforcement. Chief Booth, with his proven track record, undoubtedly possesses the requisite expertise to guide the Roanoke City Police Department in realizing these goals.”
Furthermore, he added, “With Chief Booth at the helm, we anticipate collaborative efforts between the police force and the community to ensure Roanoke’s safety and prosperity.”
Mayor Sherman Lea of Roanoke expressed his enthusiasm about the prospective association with Chief Booth, noting, “Danville has made commendable strides in mitigating gun violence and gang-related issues. However, the role of a police chief encompasses far more dimensions. I am optimistic that he can integrate seamlessly into our diverse city.”
Mayor Lea urges community members to partake in the upcoming session at the Berglund Center.
