News Flash

City Manager Lee Garrity announced that he is appointing Assistant Chief William Penn, Jr. to be Winston-Salem’s new police chief. The appointment is effective immediately. A formal swearing in ceremony date will be announced soon.

Penn was selected from among four finalists for the position, including Assistant Police Chief Jose “Manny” Gomez and Assistant Police Chief Wilson S. Weaver II, both of the Winston-Salem Police Department, and Police Chief Scott C. Booth of the Danville Police Department.

In selecting Penn, 48, Garrity said that he was looking for a strong leader who knows the community and one who can move the department forward, especially in addressing numerous vacancies.

“It’s vital that our next police chief is able to inspire confidence within the department, to improve morale and to make the Winston-Salem Police Department a place where dedicated officers come to build careers,” he said. 

Penn currently commands the Investigative Services Bureau and has served as District 1 commander, support services commander and has worked with the foot patrol, vice and narcotics and crime prevention divisions. He has served with the police department for 25 years.

Penn pledged to lead the department, and the city, through a challenging period marked by violence.

“Although I’m honored and excited about the opportunity to lead this department, the gravity of this position is not lost on me,” he said. “As we are all reeling over the despicable video of the Tyre Nichols’ killing, I want to assure the community that the actions depicted in the video do not represent the Winston-Salem Police Department and our values.

“The violence in our community must stop and we must all work together to provide healthy alternatives to violence to resolve conflict.”