Former members of the Durham Police Department excited about the return of their newly appointed chief of police

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Former officers with the Durham Police Department say the hiring of Patrice Andrews is what is needed to improve morale within the troubled department.

One of the former officers interviewed by Rev-elution noted a message on the Police Department’s Facebook page, posted on October 21.

“Are you aware that Interstate 85 persistently remains in the top 10 crash locations in Durham? Perhaps earlier this week you saw DPD’s Traffic and Crash Team (TACT) and Motor Unit, along with Ofc. J. Harris of Uniform Patrol as they conducted speed enforcement along I-85 North and South between E. Club Boulevard and Cole Mill Road. The highest recorded speed was 97 mph in a 60-mph zone! Officers made 15 vehicle stops.”

A simple message, like so many others on the page. It was the second comment posted minutes later that caught the attention of members of the police department.

“Proud of the work that you all are doing to keep our roads safe! See you soon!”  Patrice Andrews, the newly appointed chief of police, is making a statement. I see you. I affirm you. I look forward to working with you.

It’s that level of familiarity that resonates with many members of the police department. Many say they know and trust the woman who is coming back home after a brief stay not far away.

Andrews, who served five years as the Town of Morrisville Police Chief, replaces C. J. Davis who left Durham to head the Memphis, TN police department. Andrews started her career with the Durham Police Department as a patrol officer in 1997. She’s remembered for advancing up the ranks to become district commander and a captain supervising the Special Victims, Homicide, Domestic Violence, and Fraud units.

Rev-elution interviewed officers who worked with Andrews before she left Durham in 2016. The officers say her leadership style with the rank and file is a better match than Davis, who came to Durham from Atlanta, GA.

“Patrice is more willing to listen to the opinions of others,” a retired officer said on the condition of anonymity. “She takes what others think before making a decision.”

The retired officer noted tension within the police department caused by understaffing and an unwillingness to consider alternatives to maximize current staffing needs.

“Patrice is more of a community person,” another former officer said when questioned about Andrews. “She’s the type of leader who will be out in the community with the people. She will build relationships with everybody.”

A retired officer compared Andrews to former Durham Police Chief Steve Chalmers, who served as chief of police from 2003-2007. After serving on the force for more than 32 years, Chalmers continued efforts to impact the root causes of crime with Men of Vision, a nonprofit he started while serving as police chief.

“She’s like Chalmers. They both care for the community and know the city,” the former officer said. “She’s got that same drive to build programs that make a difference.”

Rev-elution spoke with residents who desired a more transparent process. They imagined a series of community forums with finalist like when Davis was under consideration to become Durham’s police chief. There were four finalists following a national search. Durham City Manager Wanda Page made the decision with the help of nine diverse members of Durham’s community.

In the end, deep connections to Durham made the difference.

"I am confident that Chief Andrews is the right leader for Durham, where she spent most of her law enforcement career," City Manager Wanda Page said in a statement. "I am happy to welcome her back to Durham, where she also has deep family roots and developed lasting relationships in the community while working and living here."

Andrews faces numerous challenges as Durham Chief of Police. She enters a political climate with calls to defund the police. Homicides are rising and increasing disparities complicate strategies to strike the roots of crime. The current police force is witnessing retirements and the exodus of officers to other higher paying, safer municipalities.

According to past members of the police department, there is reason to be excited about Andrews’ return to Durham.