Peter Newsham has been named D.C. police chief after serving as interim chief for nearly five months, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Thursday.
"As interim chief, Peter Newsham has been reliable and consistent," Bowser said during a press conference late Thursday morning. "Last month, Chief Newsham oversaw the very successful presidential inauguration, as well as the Women's March on Washington.... With the eyes of the world on us, our officers stepped up to the plate and performed."
Since taking over as interim chief, Newsham has proven he is committed to transparency and being available to members of the public and to his officers, Bowser said. He also oversaw the full deployment of body cams.
Newsham has been with MPD since 1989 and worked his way through the ranks. He was promoted to assistant chief in 2002 and oversaw a number of different offices. Most recently, Newsham was named assistant chief of the Investigative Services Bureau in 2008.
He has a bachelor's degree from the College of the Holy Cross and a law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law, according to MPD's website. He is also a member of the Maryland Bar.
Newsham often served as the public face of the department during major investigations. He was appointed interim chief Sept. 15 after former Police Chief Cathy Lanier announced her retirement.
Lanier accepted a position as senior vice president of security for the NFL. She had served in MPD for 26 years.
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"I recommended Pete Newsham for the interim job because I knew he was the best choice heading into the inauguration," Lanier said. "I feel the same way about him getting the nomination to be the permanent chief. I have worked with him for more than 25 years and I know he has what it takes to do the job. His selection is good for MPD and good for the city."
City officials were happy with the job Newsham was doing as interim chief, and no other serious contenders for the job emerged.
Newsham's appointment is subject to approval by the D.C. Council.
