An IACSP Q&A with Former Police Chief Mike Chitwood
Michael J.
Chitwood retired as the Upper Darby, Pennsylvania's Superintendent of Police in
December of 2019, ending his more than 55 years of law enforcement career. His
service included 35 years as the Chief of Police in both urban and suburban
departments.
He became
the superintendent of Upper Darby, a township that borders West Philadelphia,
in 2005. He was responsible for managing a $31 million budget and for
overseeing 133 sworn officers and 24 civilian staff. Collaboration between the
police and the community is the hallmark of his policing style. Community
initiatives in the Upper Darby Township include the Community Policing Center,
a victim’s services program, the Citizen’s Police Academy and the 5th
Grade Mentoring program. In 2013, the Upper Darby Police Department was
awarded the International Association of Chiefs of Police Victim Services Award
in recognition of the department’s victim’s services program, Breaking the
Cycle.
During his time in Philadelphia, he was
awarded more than 70 commendations for valor, bravery, heroism and merit
earning him the distinction of the most honored and decorated police officer in
the history of Philadelphia law enforcement. In 1988, he was inducted into the
Pennsylvania Police Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding service in
the law enforcement profession.
Following
his career with the Philadelphia Police Department, Mike Chitwood served as
Chief of Police of Middletown Township Police Department...