Greensboro Reporter

City of Greensboro Fire Department issued the following announcement on Dec. 14.

Assistant Chief John Thompson Selected as New Greensboro Police Chief

After conducting a competitive, national search and extensive interview process, Greensboro City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba announced Assistant Chief John Thompson will serve as the next Greensboro Police Chief. Thompson, succeeds Brian James who retired in April 2022.

Thompson, a native of Cobb, CA, will assume his duties as police chief on Friday, December 16.

“It is truly an honor to be selected to lead such a nationally accredited agency with an exceptional team of dedicated officers and employees,” said Chief Thompson. “I am prioritizing challenges, such as violent crime and police community relations, while proposing unique approaches to recruitment and retention through innovation and inclusivity. The community will play a vital role in achieving public safety for all Greensboro residents.”

Thompson began his career in law enforcement in 1998 with the Asheboro Police Department, before joining the Greensboro Police Department (GPD) on October 16, 2003. Thompson has served in various roles in the department, including Planning and Research, Vice/Narcotics Division, Resource Management Division, and currently as the Bureau Commander of the Patrol Division. Thompson has also been instrumental in working with research partners to bring various projects to the department, and will continue to prioritize innovation, research, and evaluation in his role as police chief.

Outside of the police department, Thompson is involved in several professional organizations, such as the North Carolina Police Executives Association, Internal Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Executive Research Forum, and American Society of Evidence Based Policing.

“The community will appreciate how John applies a people-centered approach to law enforcement. His leadership qualities align with many of the traits the community shared in public forums,” said Assistant City Manager Nathanael Davis. “Chief Thompson will serve the City with distinction, while positioning GPD as a national model in policing. The City is grateful to Interim Chief Teresa Biffle for her leadership in this transition period.”

Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Justice Policy Studies Administration from Guilford College and a Master’s in Business Administration from Pfeiffer University. He is also a 2016 graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police and the Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers program at the University of Louisville in 2013.                 

Original source can be found here.