There’s a new top cop in town. Friday marks Richard Worley’s first full day as Baltimore City’s acting police commissioner. Should the city council confirm his nomination, the Baltimore native and longtime department veteran is set to succeed Commissioner Michael Harrison.
Harrison announced his departure during a press conference Thursday morning. During this, both Harrison and Mayor Scott gave Worley their full support.
"I now congratulate future commissioner Worley, who I’ve had the privilege of working side by side with. Leading, mentoring, coaching, grooming," said Harrison, "I have full confidence that he will lead the BPD forward with even more accomplishments and continue the greatest comeback story in America."
"I am really excited to continue the partnership we built as part of our shared commitment to building a better safer Baltimore," said Mayor Scott.
Worley may be new to the role, but he's certainly not new to Baltimore.
"I’ve dedicated my life to service in the city of Baltimore," said Worley.
Born and raised in Pigtown, the homegrown officer comes with nearly 25 years of experience within the Baltimore Police Department, working his way up from patrol officer to second in command.
His career started as a trainee in 1998, a decade later, he was promoted to Lieutenant, then major shortly after that. From there, he served as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2016, a full Colonel in 2018, and has spent the past nine months as Deputy Commissioner.
"What happens is most of the time, you don’t become a commissioner in the city or agency you come through. I’m lucky enough to hopefully do that now," said Worley.
Worley attributes much of his success to the mentorship and guidance of his predecessor Michael Harrison. Whose vision for reform and holistic approach to crime Worley says he plans to continue.
"We went from being a warrior to a guardian mentality," said Worley, "We’ve not only reformed the department, but we’ve lowered crime while we’re doing the same thing, and that’s very, very difficult to do."
"I do think that there's a warmth that Commissioner Worley will exude to his staff," said former federal and state prosecutor Thiru Vignarajah.
Vignarajah is throwing his support behind the mayor’s nomination, along with the department's rank and file.
Although Harrison’s policies were frequently challenged and critiqued, police union president Mike Mancuso sent FOX45 the following statement Friday:
The members of FOP3 are encouraged and optimistic about the nomination of Rich Worley for Police Commissioner. He knows Baltimore and the BPD inside and out. We are hopeful that he is given the latitude to perform his duties in a fair and just manner.
"Commissioner Worley is respected, he’s seasoned, and he is also a consummate professional. I don't know that anyone's going to second guess or question that judgment," said Vignarajah.
However, that confidence will be faced with challenges. Shootings and homicides may be dipping this year, but Baltimore’s crime remains high. Time will tell if Worley will be able to bring the city under 300 homicides. A grime milestone marking the city for the last eight straight years.