Malik Aziz speaks at a crime meeting in 2019

Deputy Police Chief Malik Aziz, who formerly commanded Dallas’ northeast division at Northwest Highway and Audelia, has been named the new chief for Prince George’s County, Maryland near Washington, D.C. Aziz was introduced Friday at a press conference, where he spoke about the importance of community policing and his plan to build a “respected and appreciated” police force.

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“Public service is very important to me,” said Aziz. “I want the citizens and the officers of Prince George’s County to understand what kind of chief I will be. And that is one of communication, high visibility. One who listens and one who will act with resolution.”

Aziz is widely seen as a reformer, and he was invited to the White House by President Obama after he made a presentation to the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing in 2014.

“There is no us-versus-them,” he told the task force. “There’s only us.”

Aziz began as a patrol officer in Dallas in 1992 and rose through the ranks to the position of deputy chief. He led the National Black Police Association for 8 years and was on the short list for Dallas police chief before Eddie Garcia was hired in February.

Aziz will begin his new job May 9 after confirmation by the Prince George’s County Council.

Malik Aziz speaks at Scofield Memorial Church in 2019

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  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.