Dayton Appoints Eric Henderson as New Police Chief Amid Focus on Community Safety
DAYTON, Ohio — The City of Dayton has officially named Eric Henderson as its new Police Chief, effective May 7. Henderson, who currently serves as Deputy Chief, brings over 27 years of law enforcement experience to the role, marking a pivotal moment for the department as it aims to strengthen community trust and public safety.
Henderson’s appointment comes after an extensive selection process that emphasized community involvement and thoughtful succession planning. The city enlisted a diverse panel of stakeholders, facilitated by Patrick Oliver, Director of the Criminal Justice Program at Cedarville University. The panel included representatives from local businesses, neighborhoods, civil rights organizations, nonprofits, and advocacy groups, ensuring broad public participation in the decision-making process.
“Eric’s deep understanding of our police department’s operations and his proven ability to build strategic partnerships make him the ideal leader for this role,” said Dayton City Manager Shelley Dickstein. “He is committed to making Dayton a safer and more peaceful city for everyone.”
Henderson’s career with the Dayton Police Department spans nearly three decades, during which he has held various leadership roles, including Deputy Chief, Major, Lieutenant, Sergeant, Detective, and Patrol Officer. He has managed significant operational divisions, directed emergency responses, and spearheaded initiatives focused on community-centered policing reform.
In addition to his local contributions, Henderson has played a key role in shaping statewide law enforcement standards. He served on Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Blue Ribbon Task Force, which aimed to enhance police training protocols, and collaborated with state legislators on public safety legislation. His civic involvement extends to positions on the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police Legislative Committee and the Code Credit Union Board of Directors.
As Chief, Henderson will oversee all aspects of the Dayton Police Department, including public safety strategy, crime prevention, emergency response, officer development, and community engagement. In a statement, he emphasized his commitment to transparency and trust-building.
“My priority is to foster open communication and accountability within the department and with the community,” Henderson said. “Violent crime continues to devastate families across Dayton, and we will tackle it head-on by working collaboratively with residents, businesses, and government partners. This includes leveraging coordinated enforcement, technology, and evidence-based strategies to target those responsible for violence.”
Henderson also outlined plans to invest in the well-being and professional development of his team. “Ensuring our officers have the resources, training, and support they need is critical to their success and the safety of our community,” he added.
Educationally, Henderson holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Park University, a graduate certificate in Criminal Justice from the University of Virginia, and is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy.
With his extensive experience and community-focused approach, Henderson steps into his new role at a time when Dayton continues to address public safety challenges. His leadership is expected to build on the department’s existing efforts to create a safer, more inclusive city for all residents.
— Reported by Nexio News
