Greensboro Residents Voice Concerns Over New Police Chief Afzal

Residents question Afzal's record and call for the city to reconsider the appointment.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the gritty, investigative nature of the community's concerns over the new police chief appointment.Residents of Greensboro, North Carolina voice concerns over the city's selection of a new police chief with a history of aggressive law enforcement.Today in Dayton

Residents of Greensboro, North Carolina have expressed concerns about the city's decision to appoint Kamran Afzal, the current police chief of Dayton, Ohio, as their new police chief. At a recent city council meeting, several residents spoke out against the decision, citing Afzal's record of aggressive and violent law enforcement behavior, as well as the recent officer-involved shooting in Dayton that resulted in the death of 44-year-old Reginald Thomas. The residents believe Afzal has lost the trust of the Dayton community and are asking the Greensboro City Council to reconsider the appointment.

Why it matters

The appointment of a new police chief is a critical decision for any community, as the police chief sets the tone and direction for the entire department. Greensboro residents are concerned that Afzal's record in Dayton may not align with the community's values and expectations for policing, and they want to ensure the city selects a chief who will build trust and improve community relations.

The details

At the Greensboro City Council meeting, several residents spoke out against Afzal's appointment, with one stating, "This city council chose a police chief from a different state, over someone from our own city. This city council chose a police chief who supports aggressive and violent law enforcement behavior, this city council kept the decision a secret." Another resident said, "The barrel of a gun, a cage, and police violence are not the answer, yet Greensboro has chosen Kamran Afzal as our new police chief. Everywhere he has served there has been harm and death caused by the officers he has led." The residents believe Assistant Chief of Police Stephanie Mardis would have been a better choice for the job.

  • Kamran Afzal announced his intention to resign from the Dayton Police Department after five years on the job.
  • Afzal plans to take on the role of police chief in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The players

Kamran Afzal

The current police chief of Dayton, Ohio, who has been selected as the new police chief of Greensboro, North Carolina.

Reginald Thomas

A 44-year-old man who was killed in an officer-involved shooting in Dayton, Ohio, which has raised concerns about Afzal's record among Greensboro residents.

Stephanie Mardis

The Assistant Chief of Police in Greensboro, who some residents believe would have been a better choice for the police chief position.

Greensboro City Council

The governing body of Greensboro, North Carolina, which made the decision to appoint Kamran Afzal as the city's new police chief.

Greensboro Residents

The community members of Greensboro who have expressed concerns about Afzal's appointment and are calling for the city council to reconsider the decision.

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What’s next

The Greensboro City Council will need to decide whether to move forward with Afzal's appointment as police chief or reconsider their decision in light of the community's concerns.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the importance of community input and trust in the selection of a police chief, as the chief's leadership and approach can have a significant impact on public safety and police-community relations. Greensboro residents are rightfully demanding a thorough vetting process and a chief who will prioritize de-escalation, community policing, and building trust with the local community.