ROCKVILLE, MD — Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich on Monday nominated acting police chief Marcus Jones to fill the position permanently, after two of his top picks withdrew their names from consideration.

In March, Chapman resigned as police chief in Portsmouth after years of clashes with other officers and low police morale, according to multiple media outlets. "This is a critical nomination that I take very seriously," Elrich said in a statement Monday. "For the last five months, we have conducted the most open and inclusive police chief search in the County's history.

"I have heard from residents, community-based organizations, labor leaders, religious leaders and County Council members, who have clearly stated what they want to see in their police chief. They don't want the status quo. They want to see changes that will make a good department even better and rebuild trust that has been shaken by some recent interactions between officers and members of the public," Elrich continued. The Democrat added that he felt it was important to look outside the department for a new top cop, which is why he eventually nominated Chapman for the position.

"However, Marcus and I have discussed my expectations and I am confident that he shares my vision and will carry out the changes I want to see," said Elrich.



Jones is the force's second interim police chief after Thomas Manger retired back in April. Assistant Chief Russell E. Hamill III — a former commander of the MCPD's Bethesda district — was the first acting chief of police. However, in May, Hamill left the force to become Laurel's chief of police.

Jones, who is black, took over around the time the department was investigating an officer who used a racial slur while talking to black men. The video, which has been circulating online, was captured during an interaction between officers and four men at the McDonald's in Silver Spring. In response to this video, community activists held a rally, march, and press conference in May.