Chief Wideman retiring from Hampton Police Division

Sept. 3, 2026 — The City of Hampton announces the pending retirement of Police Chief Jimmie Wideman, effective Oct. 1. Chief Wideman, who assumed leadership of the Hampton Police Division on July 31, 2023, concludes 34 years of dedicated service in public safety.

While this is a disappointment to the city because of his tremendous record as Chief, city officials understand and respect Chief Wideman's personal reasons for this decision and fully support him as he begins this new chapter.

During his tenure, Chief Wideman's leadership produced significant, measurable results for the Hampton community, including:

• An 82% decrease in the city's homicide rate
• A 59% decrease in non-fatal gun violence
• A 67% decrease in total gun violence

Mayor Jimmy Gray praised Chief Wideman's impact on the department and the city as a whole. 

Mayor Gray said: "Hampton has one of the finest police departments in the region, thanks in large part to the strong leadership it has benefited from over the years. Chief Wideman has been a tremendous leader for our department, serving with integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. His dedication to both the officers he leads and the community he serves has helped make Hampton a safer and stronger city." 

City Manager Mary Bunting echoed that sentiment, noting the strength of the team Chief Wideman leaves behind. 

City Manager Bunting said: "While I am saddened to accept the Chief's retirement papers, I do understand the personal priorities which have led him to this decision. I am forever appreciative of his many years of stellar service to our community, especially his last three as Chief of Police. One of his greatest achievements was building an equally stellar team, and I have no doubt the Deputy Chief Kenny Ferguson will serve us with the same distinction as Interim Chief." 

Chief Wideman, a graduate of Bethel High School, began his service to Hampton as a teen volunteer with Northampton Fire and Rescue. He graduated from Tidewater Regional Fire Academy and began as a medic firefighter in Hampton in 1988. Wideman joined the Hampton Police Division in 1994 and rose to the rank of captain. He left in 2019 for a federal position as an intelligence analyst in Quantico, then returned as police chief in 2023.

Chief Wideman reflected on his time leading the department and the personal considerations behind his decision to retire: "It has been my absolute honor to work with you all, and my decision was not easy to make. As many of you know, I have priorities which require more of my presence and commitment. Serving the citizens of Hampton and leading the dedicated men and women of the Hampton Police Division has been one of the highest honors of my career. I am immensely proud of what our team has accomplished together to ensure the safety, trust, and well-being of our community."

 Bunting said Deputy Chief Kenny Ferguson will serve as Interim Police Chief upon Chief Wideman's retirement, ensuring continuity of leadership and public safety operations during the transition. Ferguson has been the chief architect of many of Hampton Police Division's initiatives under Wideman's leadership.

The City of Hampton will conduct a national search for the next Chief of Police, consistent with the process used in past chief selections, with opportunities for public input.