Newport News Names Steve Drew Next Chief of Police

City Manager Cindy Rohlf said, “I am excited that Steve is joining the Newport News team to lead our nationally accredited Police Department. His extensive law enforcement experience coupled with a strong belief in partnerships between the community and the police will serve our citizens well.”

"Being selected as the next chief of police for the Newport News Police Department is the greatest honor of my career,” said Chief Drew. “I am humbled but also incredibly excited to be selected to lead this excellent organization. The greatest assets we have in this organization are the men and women who serve this community. Community plays a vital role in today’s policing landscape. No organization can succeed without the public’s support. The Newport News Police Department will continue to grow in excellence as it serves this dynamic, historic city."

Drew brings with him 24 years of progressively responsible experience in local law enforcement. He began his career as a Richmond police officer moving up through the ranks to his current position of Deputy Police Chief in April 2015. Over the course of his career with the Richmond Police Department, Drew served in various leadership positions in the Narcotics Division, Citywide Gun and Drug Enforcement Unit, Major Crimes Division, and Patrol Operations. He is also credited with creating and implementing the 4th Precinct Community Response Team, the Organized Crime Street Level Narcotics Unit and a Plain Clothes Street Crimes Unit. Drew holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Urbana University and a master’s degree in business from Colorado State University.

Drew begins his new position on July 2 with an annual salary of $177,000. He replaces Rick Myers who retired in August.