The City of Greenbelt is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Richard (Rick) Bowers as chief of police. Chief Bowers brings over 25 years of law enforcement experience to Greenbelt.
He started his career as an officer in Ocean City before moving to Takoma Park, where he has worked his way up the ranks from sergeant to acting chief over the past 23 years. The Takoma Park Police Department consists of 70 full-time employees and has a $9.9 million budget. City Manager Nicole Ard stated, “It is incredible to have found a leader of Chief Bowers’ caliber who offers a unique energy, as well as the experience in strategic planning, community engagement, employee development and crime reduction technology.”
Bowers comes from a police agency that has embraced its community’s diversity and actively works to build its trust. Bowers has a reputation for ethical behavior which he instills in his officers and motivates them to follow suit. Bowers’ success in recruitment and retention of employees will be essential for the succession planning in Greenbelt. He is excited to join the Greenbelt team. “It is an honor to be selected as the chief of police selected as the chief of police for the City of Greenbelt. The police department has an exceptional reputation and I am excited to join the staff. I am looking forward to working with city residents to build lasting partnerships.”
Bowers’ credentials include graduation from the highly selective FBI National Academy, as well as Northwestern University School of Staff and Command. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Southern New Hampshire University and a master’s degree in management from University of Maryland University College. He is a member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy Associations Maryland Chapter, the International Chiefs of Police Association, Maryland Chiefs of Police Association and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35.
Bowers was selected from 53 applicants who applied for the position through the management and executive recruitment firm Springsted/Waters. Seventeen semi-finalists were narrowed to six finalists who participated in a two-and-a-half day assessment center interacting with council and members of the public and police department, as well as five interview panels consisting of regional police chiefs, a citizen panel, a panel of staff from throughout the city government, including a representative of the Fraternal Order of Police and a non-sworn police employee, Greenbelt police command staff and the city manager and assistant city manager.
Bowers replaces a chief who retired after serving for over 40 years. Major Tom Kemp served as acting chief following that retirement. “I want to thank Tom for his service. Tom and the entire Police Department staff (sworn and non-sworn), as well as the Fraternal Order of Police leadership deserve thanks for their hard work, creativity and dedication to our community. The Greenbelt Police Department is moving in a positive direction,” said Ard.
Bowers will start work the week of August 27. A swearing in ceremony will be held on Monday, August 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. This article is from a press release issued by the City of Greenbelt on Tuesday, August 7.