REPORT: Community Input Report Recommends Public Safety, Trust and Transparency as Top Priorities for Annapolis' Next Police Chief

A community input report prepared for the Annapolis Police Chief Search Committee recommends that the city's next chief of police possess strong leadership skills rooted in public safety, community trust, transparency and communication, reflecting the priorities expressed by residents during the city's engagement process.

Related: Related: July 21, 2026City of Annapolis Launches Nationwide Search for Next Police Chief; Community Survey Open Through July 24

The report, which can be found here, summarizes feedback gathered through three community listening sessions and an online survey conducted to help inform the selection of Annapolis' next police chief. According to the report, participants consistently identified public safety, trust, transparency, communication, community engagement and organizational leadership as the most important qualities the committee should consider when evaluating candidates.

Among the report's findings, 82 percent of respondents identified public safety as the community's highest priority, with many emphasizing proactive neighborhood patrols. The report also found strong support for accountability and transparency, while communication emerged as the leadership trait residents valued most. Participants said they want a chief who maintains a visible presence throughout the community and actively listens to residents.

The report summarizes input from three listening sessions held at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center, the Boys & Girls Club and First Baptist Church.

 

Across the sessions, residents highlighted the importance of building community trust, expanding youth engagement, promoting diversity and inclusion, strengthening community policing, improving officer accountability, supporting department morale, enhancing internal leadership, increasing transparency and strengthening partnerships related to mental health response.

Community comments included throughout the report call for a police chief who has "engaged meaningfully with the community," possesses "a clear vision and understanding of community policing," and is "prepared to educate officers about stress, culture, mindset, religion and diversity." Other participants simply stated that Annapolis needs "someone who is visible" and "a real leader."

Survey results included in the report ranked reducing crime as the community's top priority, followed by neighborhood safety, community trust, transparency and partnerships.

 Respondents also identified improving officer morale, community engagement, accountability, officer training and transparency as the department's leading internal priorities.

When asked about leadership qualities, survey participants ranked strong communication first, followed by problem-solving ability, visible leadership, support for officers and accountability. Residents also indicated they preferred candidates with demonstrated experience in crime reduction, knowledge of Maryland law, emergency management, command leadership and officer wellness.

Based on the feedback, the report recommends that the search committee prioritize candidates with proven public safety leadership, ethical decision-making, transparent communication, organizational leadership, cultural competency, officer development and meaningful community engagement. It further recommends selecting a candidate with a demonstrated record of reducing crime, experience serving diverse communities and a commitment to supporting officer wellness and professional development.

According to the report, residents expect the city's next police chief to deliver safer neighborhoods, stronger community trust, visible leadership, a healthy police department and long-term organizational excellence.

The report states that the selection process will continue with candidate screening using the community-informed evaluation framework, followed by finalist interviews before a mayoral appointment and confirmation by the Annapolis City Council.