Winston-Salem police chief search narrows to four candidates

Winston-Salem city officials have narrowed their search for the next police chief down to four candidates.

The candidates will answer questions from a five-member panel at a public forum Wednesday. Assistant City Manager Patrice Toney says they’ll address concerns raised by feedback from the community during the search.

“Many things surrounded around strategy for crime prevention; strategies around gun violence; innovative approaches to public safety," she says. "They wanted someone that they can trust.”

Toney said hiring a police chief is one of the most important and visible things the city government does.

All four candidates are men. They are vying to replace former Chief Catrina Thompson, who retired at the end of last year.

Three of the candidates are currently assistant chiefs with the Winston-Salem Police Department. 

They are Jose "Manny" Gomez, who currently leads the Criminal Intelligence Bureau; William Penn, Jr., who heads Investigative Services, and Wilson Weaver II, the Field Services Bureau leader.

The fourth finalist is Scott C. Booth, chief of the Danville Police Department.   

A decision is expected to be made by the end of the month.