For Immediate Release
(Petersburg, Virginia) – June 8, 2016 – Today, Dironna Moore Belton, Acting City Manager announced the immediate appointment of Acting Police Chief William C. Rohde. Chief Rohde worked for the Petersburg Police Department for 39 years. Prior to his retirement in September 2015, Chief Rohde most recently served as the Deputy Chief of Field Operations as well as the Commander of the Investigations Unit with the Petersburg Police Department.
“Chief Rohde comes to our city with a long-standing commitment to public safety. Moving forward the Department will develop reforms that will bring greater fairness, independence and transparency to police timekeeping, discipline and accountability processes. Altogether, our comprehensive efforts will change the experience between our police and our community, and rebuild public trust. Additionally, Petersburg will continue working with the State Police to address patterns of negativity following our police department. This is non-negotiable,” said the Acting City Manager.
He holds Bachelor of Arts Degree from Duke University and a Master of Science in Education from Virginia State University.
“I am honored to step in and help move the Police Department forward in a positive direction for the residents of Petersburg”, said Chief Rohde