Norristown Police Chief Jacqueline Bailey-Davis resigns

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- Jacqueline Bailey-Davis resigned as Norristown's police chief on Tuesday night.

Bailey-Davis, a native of Philadelphia, took office in January 2024 and became the first Black female to hold the post.

During a meeting Tuesday, members of the municipal council voted to accept Bailey-Davis' resignation.

"We wanted to do this amicably. We were just waiting. I know she was just making a decision on what she wanted to do," said Norristown Municipal Administrator Leonard Lightner.

In late November, after being offered a severance package, Bailey-Davis was placed on paid administrative leave due to what officials called a personnel issue.

Norristown leaders have declined to answer our questions about what factored into the decision, but they say over the past couple weeks, Bailey-Davis made the choice to resign.

Some community members were disappointed to hear the news.

"I lament that we have lost a chief who I believe was a chosen vessel, a beacon of hope, an angel of mercy," said Yvonne Platts, of Norristown.

Bailey-Davis was the third person to act as Norristown's police chief in a three-year period.

Leaders say the police department needs stability, which is something they're looking for.

"Someone who is going to look at the future of what policing looks like, and the future of Norristown. Someone who is going to come in with a plan for succession," said Lightner. "We're going to take our time and select the appropriate candidate for Norristown."

Action News reached out to Bailey-Davis for comment, but we have not heard back.

The Norristown police chief leads approximately 60 sworn officers and over 30 civilian staff who work to protect over 35,000 residents of the municipality.