Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2011

For more information:

David J. Deutsch, City Manager
301-809-3030
ddeutsch@cityofbowie.org

Acting Chief John Nesky Chosen to Head Bowie Police Department

City Manager David Deutsch announced today that, after an extensive search, John Nesky has been selected as Bowie’s new Police Chief. Nesky has been serving in the role of Acting Police Chief since Katherine Perez, the Department’s first chief departed in November of 2010.

The decision to promote Nesky to Police Chief was made at the end of a nation-wide search that resulted in 130 applicants for the job. After interviewing the top candidates during the week of February 28th, and consulting with the City Council about his choice, Deutsch offered the job to Acting Chief Nesky earlier this week.

In making the announcement, Deutsch said, “After evaluating all of the candidates, it was clear that Acting Chief Nesky had the best combination of skills and experience to lead this department into the future. He is an excellent leader, he is an innovator, and he has already established strong ties with the Bowie community. I am very pleased that he will be the one to implement City Council’s long-term vision for the Bowie Police Department.”

As Deputy Chief, Nesky helped establish and grow the Bowie Police Department, which now stands at 48 officers. In addition to helping to hire officers and manage the department, he was the driving force behind several department initiatives such as the City’s award winning National Night Out Against Crime event and a self defense training program for women. Most recently in November 2010, he oversaw the establishment of a Criminal Investigation Unit, which has been responsible for the closing of several cases involving criminals who had committed multiple crimes.

Nesky graduated from the University of Maryland in 1988 with a degree in Criminal Justice. He has 20 years of military and civilian law enforcement experience. He came to Bowie after working for the District Heights Police Department for 11 years, where he rose through the ranks from Police Officer to Chief of Police, and received several commendations and awards for his performance.

The Bowie Police Department was established in early 2006 after residents voted in 2005 in large numbers to support the creation of the City’s own department. Former Chief Perez was the department’s first employee and selected John Nesky to be Deputy Police Chief in December 2006.

John Nesky will be sworn in as Police Chief at the Council meeting on Monday, March 21, 2011. The meeting takes place at 8 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Bowie City Hall, 2614 Kenhill Drive.

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