Greensboro Names Veteran Police Leader Kamran Afzal as New Chief

City Manager Trey Davis says Afzal's experience and focus on community trust were key factors in the selection.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:50am

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After a nationwide search, the city of Greensboro, North Carolina has selected Kamran Afzal as its new police chief. Afzal, a law enforcement veteran with over 30 years of experience, will take over the role on May 13 following the retirement of former chief John Thompson. City Manager Trey Davis cited Afzal's background, as well as his commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement, as key reasons for the selection.

Why it matters

The police chief position is seen as a critical leadership role in Greensboro, the third largest city in North Carolina. With the retirement of the previous chief, the city conducted a thorough nationwide search to find a new leader who could help build trust between the police department and the community.

The details

After holding community meetings to gather input on the qualities residents wanted in a new police chief, Greensboro City Manager Trey Davis said the city was looking for someone focused on transparency, accountability, and community engagement. Afzal, who has led police departments in Virginia, Colorado, and Ohio, emerged as the top candidate from a nationwide pool. Davis noted that Greensboro, as the ninth largest city in the Southeast, warranted a broad search rather than just looking internally.

  • Kamran Afzal will officially take over as Greensboro police chief on May 13, 2026.
  • John Thompson retired as Greensboro police chief in March 2026.

The players

Kamran Afzal

A veteran law enforcement leader with over 30 years of experience, Afzal has previously led police departments in Virginia, Colorado, and Ohio. He was selected as Greensboro's new police chief after a nationwide search.

Trey Davis

The city manager of Greensboro, North Carolina, who made the final decision to hire Kamran Afzal as the city's new police chief.

John Thompson

The former Greensboro police chief who retired in March 2026, leading to the search for his replacement.

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What they’re saying

“This is the third police chief that I've been apart of hiring in the city manager's office. The process, months in the making, started with the community, we held about 5 different community meetings at different areas across the city just to make sure we gave an opportunity in the front of this process for people to give input.”

— Trey Davis, Greensboro City Manager

“Greensboro's the third largest city in the state, the ninth largest in this region in the south east and so, but you don't want to reduce a position like this just to a small area, you wanna see what type of candidates you get from across the country.”

— Trey Davis, Greensboro City Manager

“make no mistake, the police chief in any community in our country today is one of the most important leaders and it's important that the community be able to have their own direct engagement as part of trust building.”

— Trey Davis, Greensboro City Manager

What’s next

City leaders said residents can expect opportunities soon to meet Greensboro's new police chief, Kamran Afzal, in person.

The takeaway

Greensboro's selection of Kamran Afzal as its new police chief reflects the city's commitment to finding a leader focused on building trust and engagement with the community, rather than just law enforcement experience. This approach aims to address the critical role the police chief plays in local leadership and public safety.