BALTIMORE — Richard Worley, a Pigtown native with a decades-long career in law enforcement, was confirmed by councilmembers to lead Baltimore's Police Department Monday evening.
The full Baltimore City Council approved Worley's nomination after a council committee unanimously advanced it on September 21.
Worley CONFIRMED by full Council as Baltimore Police Commissioner. @WMAR2News
— Jack Watson (@JackWatsonTV) October 2, 2023
"We’re at a very vital point with our city as it relates to public safety and the crime fight," City Council President Nick Mosby told reporters after the vote. "And we understand and know, there’s been a tremendous amount of instability at the police department."
Worley has served as acting commissioner since June, and the abrupt departure of former commissioner Michael Harrison.
Since his arrival, Worley has already presided over several high-profile public safety incidents, including the admittedly-insufficient preparation and response to Brooklyn Day, where a deadly July mass shooting killed two and injured 28 others.
Phylicia Porter, a councilmember from District 10, was the only one to vote no; her district includes the Brooklyn Homes community. Porter cited the after-action report as a reason for her decision.
"As a representative of district 10, where multiple mass shootings have occurred within my tenure as councilwoman," Porter explained, "I cannot confidently commit to affirming a leader of this department without serious thought to our public safety leaders in Baltimore."
Jame Wallace was also confirmed by the full council as the new Baltimore City Fire Chief.
Mayor Brandon Scott issued the following statement:
On behalf of the City of Baltimore, I want to congratulate Baltimore Police Commissioner Rich Worley and Fire Chief James Wallace on their respective confirmations during this evening’s City Council hearing. During my time in City government, I have seen firsthand the accountability, dedication, and hard work of these two public servants and their commitment to our great city. I want to thank the City Council for confirming these nominations with the rigorous oversight that the importance of these two positions justify. With Commissioner Worley and Chief Wallace at the helm, I know that our police and fire departments will continue to build on the progress we have made under my administration to build a better, safer Baltimore for all. Their wealth of experience and deep understanding of the ins-and-outs of their departments, as well as of the challenges that our city must address, make them the ideal leaders for these critical City agencies. I look forward to swearing them into their new roles soon.
In a statement, Council President Nick Mosby says he's "confident he will work tirelessly for the our city."
"The sons, daughters, siblings, and neighbors of our city are at the forefront of our minds every time we consider a decision. No Baltimorean mom should have to worry when her child walks out the door if they’re going to make it back home. No Baltimorean should feel paralyzed with fear when they’re simply waiting for a bus or unloading groceries. We’re a city capable of providing peace and comfort for its citizens and part of that comes from sustaining continuity and stability at the Commissioner level of the department entrusted with protecting and serving the citizens," Mosby added.
