From Staff Reports

After an extensive national search, the City of Asheville announced Jan. 13 that William Anderson will serve as the city’s next police chief, effective March 1.

He will be the first African-American to serve as police chief for Asheville, which was incorporated in 1797.

Anderson brings 34 years of experience in public service to the Asheville police department with more than 10 years served as a  police chief.

William Anderson

Currently serving as chief of police in Greenville, N.C., Anderson is highly regarded in his field. He also serves as the regional director for the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police and was appointed to the State Emergency Response Commission in 2011 by Gov. Bev Perdue.  

In addition, Anderson served 11 years in the Coast Guard Reserves and is an active community member, serving in numerous civic and professional organizations.

“William has a proven track record of leadership in the areas we heard were most important to our community, our employees and our strategic partners,” City Manager Gary Jackson said in a press release. 

“He has a wealth of experience in tackling the challenges that come with being the police chief in a diverse and dynamic community. I am confident he is capable of taking the department to the next level.”

Meanwhile, Anderson said, “My family and I are thrilled to relocate to Asheville. The Asheville Police Department is well-known and respected throughout the state and I am excited about the opportunity to lead the department.”

Anderson is a graduate of Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Fla., and a graduate of the FBI National Academy – 192nd session.

Anderson’s acceptance of the offer marks the end of an extensive recruitment process which drew 109 applicants and began with input meetings with community members, police officers and community stakeholders, the city announcement stated.

The process involved a comprehensive assessment that involved 18 assessors made up of city staff, community stakeholders and five law enforcement executives.

The assessment was a series of exercises designed to view the final candidates in a variety of roles a police executive might assume.

Finally, the process concluded with in-depth interviews between the city manager and the finalists.

Anderson will succeed former Chief Bill Hogan, who announced his retirement in May as an investigation into the APD’s evidence handling was launched.

Greenville City Manager Wayne Bowers said in a press release that Anderson was a solid leader.

Meanwhile, WLOS-TV in Asheville reported Jan. 25 that “Anderson responded to critics who say he’s soft on crime and ignores the minority community in Greenville, N.C., where he is currently chief of police.  Anderson talked (of) family, career and his plans to clean up troubled APD.

“He also denied he was asked to resign from GPD.  Anderson said it’s simply the right time to explore new opportunities,” WLOS noted.

In a Jan. 19 editorial headlined “Here’s hoping new chief is up to challenges,” the Asheville Citizen-Times stated, “The only rough patch in Anderson’s career came in DeLand, Fla., where he resigned in 2002 after coming under criticism by one council member and a spokesman for the police union. Foes accused him of being dictatorial. Supporters said he was trying to modernize a department that was reluctant to change.”

However, the editorial concluded, “By all indications, Anderson is a strong leader with an understanding of diversity and community policing, just the sort of chief an urban police force needs. We wish him well, for his sake and for the city’s.”