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Greensboro will soon have a new police chief, but the announcement has already sparked significant backlash from residents who say they were shut out of the final stages of the selection process.
Less than 24 hours before Greensboro officials formally announced the city’s next police chief, nearly 80 residents and community leaders gathered on the steps of the Greensboro Police Department to protest what they say was a lack of transparency in the selection process.
The demonstration, held Monday evening, March 30, was fueled by growing frustration after reports circulated that City Manager Nathaniel “Trey” Davis had already offered the position to Kamran Afzal, then police chief in Dayton, Ohio —without additional community input.
The following day, March 31, the city confirmed Afzal’s selection. According to a news release, Davis chose Afzal after “a competitive, national search and extensive interview process.” Afzal is scheduled to begin his role as Greensboro’s Chief of Police on May 13, 2026.
However, by the time of the official announcement, Afzal had already accepted the position. According to the Dayton Daily News, he had informed Dayton officials of his resignation shortly after Greensboro’s protest.
For many in the community, the timing reinforced concerns that the final decision had been made behind closed doors.
“This process was never transparent the way it was presented to us,” said Dr. Irish Spencer, founder of Families Against Senseless Killings and an organizer of the protest. “I am not and never will be one of those that has a problem saying what I think is right and what is fair. Chief Mardis has paid her dues.”
Spencer’s remarks drew loud support from the crowd, with attendees chanting, “Respect the resume!” in reference to Assistant Police Chief Stephanie Mardis, a more than 20-year veteran of the Greensboro Police Department, who is highly respected in the community, and she was a strong candidate for police chief.
Mardis emerged as a central figure in the protest, with many residents advocating for her appointment as chief. Community members cited her longstanding relationships, visibility in the community and credibility within Greensboro as key strengths.
“There are a lot of people who don’t trust any police at all,” said community leader Kay Brown. “But they trust Assistant Chief Stephanie Mardis.”
Some speakers also raised concerns about Afzal’s leadership record in Dayton, pointing to previously reported incidents involving police conduct and questioning his approach to community policing.
Davis defended the selection, emphasizing Afzal’s experience and leadership credentials, including his tenure leading departments in cities comparable in size to Greensboro.
The search process began in November, when the city hired a consultant and hosted five community input meetings, one in each district. That feedback, Davis said, helped shape the candidate search.
The pool was eventually narrowed to five finalists who participated in a skills assessment process. No additional public engagement occurred at that stage.
“Police chief searches are not cookie cutter,” Davis said. “I do want people to know that their perspective and their input up front was definitely considered, and it was a big part of why we chose to select Mr. Afzal.”
Davis acknowledged the community’s support for Mardis but said the decision ultimately came down to selecting the candidate he believed was most qualified.
While Greensboro’s last two police chiefs were promoted from within, Davis said he felt an external candidate was the best fit at this time.
Afzal has more than three decades of law enforcement experience. He began his career with the U.S. Capitol Police in 1991 before joining the Arlington County Police Department, where he spent 24 years, including 12 in command staff roles. He later served as police chief in Durango, Colorado, and Hopewell, Virginia, before leading the Dayton Police Department beginning in 2021.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from George Mason University and a master’s degree in public administration from Troy University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and other executive leadership programs.
Davis urged residents to remain supportive of Mardis as she continues in her leadership role within the department.
“I would ask people to continue to respect her leadership,” Davis said. “She is still a strong leader, a big part of this department, a big part of this community.”
He also encouraged the community to give Afzal an opportunity to build relationships in Greensboro, noting that opportunities for public engagement will be announced.
Until Afzal assumes the role in May, the department remains under the leadership of Interim Chief Chris Schultheis, who stepped in following the February retirement of Chief John Thompson.
