Anne Arundel Co. Executive Names New Police Chief

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Another chapter begins for a government rocked by scandal. A new police chief has been named in Anne Arundel County and he takes over a troubled department.

Linh Bui meets the man in charge.

It's been a turbulent time for this police department: three different chiefs in just one year. But Chief Kevin Davis says he looks forward to the challenges ahead of him.

Chief Kevin Davis brings experience and passion to his new job. He spent two decades with the Prince George's County Police Department and comes from a long line of law enforcement officers.

"Police work provides, more than any other profession, an opportunity to serve," he said.

County Executive Laura Neuman chose Davis after an extensive nationwide search and says she's confident about his leadership.

"He also brings a tremendous amount of integrity and a commitment to restoring faith in the department," she said.

But Davis inherits a department plagued by problems. Earlier this year, former County Executive John Leopold went to jail for misconduct after forcing staff to do his campaign work and personal errands. Amid that cloud of controversy, then-police chief James Teare suddenly resigned and refused to testify about allegations against his boss.

Chief Larry Tolliver replaced Teare but lasted less than a year. An investigation found a used an anti-gay slur at work.

Chief Davis says all the drama is deja vu. In 2011, Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson went to prison for corruption.

"Had some turmoil in the agency. There was strife; there were cliques and leadership tends to take care of all that in short order," Davis said.

His first order of business: identify the distractions and fix them.

"I'm not interested in favoritism. I'm not interested in one group of the agency thinking it's better than another. I like team players, I like humble people and I like people who work hard," Davis said.

His other goals are to increase transparency and build better relationships with the community.

Chief Davis starts his new job on Monday.

Chief Davis lives in Crofton with his wife and four children.