HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Eric English was sworn-in as Henrico County Police Chief Monday morning.
English has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, after working with the Harrisonburg Police Department and Richmond Police and filling in the roles from patrol officer to commanding staff.
English is no stranger to the Richmond Metro area. He is an alumnus of the University of Richmond and says he's happy to be back home in Henrico County.
He was chosen as the new Henrico County Chief of Police after county officials reviewed 40 applicants and interviewed 10.
During Monday's ceremony English shared his vision of bringing in a community police culture.
"What you're going to get from me is somebody that's going to be in the community," said Chief English. "Somebody that's going to be responsive."
English shared his experiences in Harrisonburg and how he is hoping that his philosophy will help Henrico in building relationships.
"A lot of the times we go into communities as police officers and we look at statistical data. And we think we know what the community wants. But we haven't listened to the community. So, for me it's important to get out and listen to our stake holders in our communities. Have them involved in some of the processes as we more forwards. "
Chief English is the county's first Black police chief and 7th overall.
