Is new Roanoke police chief already on the force?
May 15, 2010 | Virginia News
Roanoke's city manager will weigh the merits of a fresh perspective against in-house knowledge and loyalty.
As Roanoke begins the rare task of hiring a police chief -- there have been only three vacancies in the past 43 years -- one of the first questions is whether to promote someone from within the department.
City Manager Chris Morrill says he will conduct a national search to replace Joe Gaskins, who said this week he will retire in June after 12 years on the job.
But with both of Roanoke's deputy police chiefs being called strong candidates, some are saying the time is right for the city to make an internal hire.
Next entry: Torch Run Kicks Off Today in Richmond
Previous entry: Culpeper names Chris Jenkins interim police chief
