Anthony Campbell Officially Named as Chief of New Haven Police Department

New Haven Police Interim Chief Anthony Campbell has officially been named Chief of the department, both Campbell and a spokesperson for the city confirmed on Sunday.

Campbell had been serving as Interim Chief since September when former Police Chief Dean Esserman stepped down.

According to Director of Communications Laurence Grotheer, Mayor Toni Harp completed the interviews of three finalists, including Campbell, last week. As of Friday evening, Mayor Harp was still conversing with other city officials about the decision. Harp made her final decision to select Campbell as the permanent chief sometime over the weekend, Grotheer said.

"I am humbled to be selected as the Chief of Police for the city of New Haven,” Campbell said. “I am eager to serve the women and men of the department and all of the members of the New Haven community. Today I feel truly blessed,” he added.

Esserman stepped down as the New Haven police chief on September 2. Previously, the former police chief had been on disciplinary leave that began on July 25 and transitioned to temporary sick leave in mid-August. New Haven officials said Esserman’s resignation was a "mutual agreement".

When Esserman left his post in the fall, Campbell said among his top priorities as interim chief would be to raise morale within the department and start ‘the healing process’.

Originally from Harlem, Campbell moved to New Haven more than 25 years ago to attend Yale University. After graduation, he considered becoming a priest but instead applied to become a New Haven police officer.