Richmond police chief a finalist for Tuscon job

RICHMOND, Calif. (KTVU) - The city of Richmond could soon be looking for a new top cop after it was announced on Monday that Police Chief Chris Magnus is in the running for the chief of police job in Tucson.

"He's a human being who has to do what's right for his own professional advancement and his own career," said Richmond Vice Mayor Jael Myrick. Magnus is one of four finalists for the job in Tucson. Word of his potential departure came as a surprise to some residents of Richmond.

"The initial response is shock. But I'm not surprised, because simply that's the price you pay for being good at what you do," Rev. Andre Shumake of Richmond Improvement Association.

Community leaders like Rev. Shumake say Magnus has made huge strides in the city of Richmond. Since Magnus took over the department violent and property crimes reached their lowest levels in decades. Just last year, the city had its lowest number of homicides on record at 11. That's a far cry from the 47 homicides in 2008 and 2009.

"The homicide rate in particular has dropped dramatically over the past seven, eight, nine years. And all at the same time when we're seeing a better community relationships with police," said Myrick.

But it's that relationship with the community that came into question by some. Last year, Magnus along with other community officials holding a black lives matter sign.

Some in the department were not happy with this expression by the leader. But others say it's what the community needed.

"Certainly we would like him to stay I think he's done a great work here within the city," said Shumake.

Tuesday Chief Magnus released this statement to KTVU that read in part, "I'm really happy and privileged to serve as Richmond's chief. Tucson seems like a good new challenge, but it all comes down to fit. Either place, my goal is to focus on strong engagement between the police and the community."

San Jose's Police Chief Larry B. Esquivel is also in the running for the position. According to a spokeswoman with the city of Tucson, all candidates will meet with the city's Police Chief Appointment Advisory Committee at a public meeting Oct. 29.