As Deputy Auditor for Public Safety, Chris is responsible for improving the practices of the D.C. Metro Police Department, D.C. Department of Corrections, and several other public safety agencies within the District. He and his team are working to improve public safety, strengthen police-community relations, and ensure the District’s public safety agencies are run as effectively as possible.
Before joining ODCA in 2023, Chris had a career of more than 40 years in policing, 24 of which were as Chief in cities that included Fargo, North Dakota; Richmond, California; and Tucson, Arizona. He also served for one year as Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection following his appointment by President Biden and confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
Previously, Chris worked to develop programs and services for victims of domestic and sexual violence. He has strongly advocated for community-engaged policing and spearheaded several successful initiatives to reduce gun violence in the cities where he was police chief.
Chris earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s in labor relations from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. He received his certification as a police officer and paramedic at Lansing Community College. Chris also attended the Harvard JFK School of Government’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government program.
When not working to improve the economy, efficiency, and accountability of the District government, Chris and his husband Terrance enjoy improving their cooking skills, walking their two dogs in their D.C. neighborhood, and traveling.
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