NORRISTOWN- Municipal officials congratulate outgoing Norristown Police Chief Mark Talbot Sr. as he accepts the chief position of the Hampton Police Department in Hampton, Va.
Talbot, who has led the Norristown Police Department since Nov. 2013, is expected to start with Hampton PD in early July.
“Chief Talbot has been an exemplary leader of our Police Department and an outstanding member of the leadership team in Norristown. He’s established the foundation and culture of policing that both the community and the Municipal Council wanted and leaves a great platform for our next police chief. I wish Mark all the best on his journey ahead in Hampton. As before, we will conduct a national search to find the right police chief for Norristown,” said Municipal Administrator Crandall O. Jones.
Talbot started his policing career with the Reading Police Department, climbing the ranks to deputy chief of police before retiring in 2011. He served as the Director of the Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation (BEI) with the Pennsylvania Department of State before his appointment as Norristown Police Chief in late 2013.
During his tenure as police chief violent crimes in the municipality have decreased 50 percent compared to the years preceding his appointment (2007-2013) and overall serious crimes fell by 44 percent. Talbot has taken a proactive approach to dealing with the opioid epidemic that surged during his tenure by forming community partnerships to help his officers and the community get access to needed resources. His high standing in the community was cemented through his involvement with the Citizens’ Police Academy, the municipal Citizens’ Leadership Academy and his safety updates to council during their monthly meetings. A survey by a Latino advocacy group found that 78 percent of residents believed their relationship with the police department had changed for the better during his tenure.
“Mark has been an invaluable asset to the Municipality of Norristown who has proven to make the community safer during his tenure with NPD, and, most importantly, he has gained the trust and respect of our residents who work in tandem with his officers to keep our community safe. He is leaving Norristown safer than when he came here in 2013, and I know that he will bring his community-driven approach to law enforcement with him to Hampton to great effect. On behalf of the entire council I offer him our sincerest congratulations as he starts his next journey in his already impeccable career in law enforcement. Norristown was privileged to have him as our top cop.” said Municipal Council President Derrick Perry.
“Although I’m very excited to be the next chief of police in Hampton, I have a great deal of sadness about leaving the NPD and the great residents of Norristown,” said Chief Talbot. “During my time here I’ve developed a whole lot of affection for both this department and this community. I will always be grateful for the support that I’ve received. Nevertheless, I’m confident that the great men and women of the NPD will not slow down without me. They will continue to protect and serve with excellence!”