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Richard Worley (Police Officer)
Born in the Pigtown community of Baltimore around 1964 or 1965, Richard J. Worley has held the position of Commissioner at the Baltimore Police Department since 2023. He completed his education by graduating from Cardinal Gibbons School in 1983, followed by obtaining a degree in criminal justice from Oklahoma City University in 1987.
In 1998, at the age of 34, he commenced his career in law enforcement by joining the Baltimore Police Department as a trainee. During his initial four years, he served on patrol duty in the Western District. His career progression continued as he rose through the ranks: becoming a lieutenant in 2008, followed by advancing to major and lieutenant colonel in 2016. By 2018, he had reached the rank of full colonel and assumed the role of Chief of Patrol. In 2021, he took on the position of Chief of Detectives.
Notably, in 2021, Richard J. Worley played a pivotal role in implementing the city’s protest deployment plans in response to the tragic killing of George Floyd. The New York Times recognized the Baltimore Police Department as the sole department “credited with handling protests relatively well” during this period.
Richard J. Worley
Real Name
Nick Name
Date of Birth
Birth Place
Country
Date of Death
Children
Education
Department
Salary
Service years
Rank
Richard J. Worley
Richard Worley
1964 or 1965
Pigtown, Baltimore, Maryland
1965
2
Oklahoma City University
Baltimore Police Department
US$285,000
1998–present
- Lieutenant
- Major
- Lieutenant colonel
- Colonel
Career
Richard Worley roots trace back to Baltimore’s Pigtown community, where he was born in either 1964 or 1965. His educational journey took him through Cardinal Gibbons School, where he proudly graduated in 1983. In pursuit of higher education, he attended Oklahoma City University and graduated in 1987, earning a degree in criminal justice.
During his time at Oklahoma City University, he showcased his athletic prowess by playing both third base and catcher for the university’s baseball team. In a 1984 article featured in The Oklahoman, his coach affectionately dubbed him “the natural.” Worley’s exceptional skills led to his inclusion in the All-Midwestern City Conference team. Although he went undrafted, his talent didn’t go unnoticed, and he went on to sign a contract with the Baltimore Orioles, briefly experiencing the world of minor league baseball.
Following his baseball endeavors, Worley transitioned to work at his family’s flooring business, dedicating a decade to this endeavor. Richard Worley
Assumed office
June 9, 2023
Preceded
Michael S. Harrison
Deputy Commissioner of the Baltimore Police Department
September 2022 – June 9, 2023
Commissioner
Michael S. Harrison
Police Career
In 1998, at the age of 34, Richard J. Worley embarked on his journey with the Baltimore Police Department as a trainee. His initial four years were dedicated to patrolling the Western District, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. Over the years, he steadily climbed the ranks, becoming a lieutenant in 2008 and progressing to the roles of major and lieutenant colonel by 2016. In 2018, he achieved the esteemed position of full colonel and took on the responsibilities of the chief of patrol, a role he held until 2021 when he assumed the mantle of chief of detectives.
The year 2021 marked a significant period in his career, as he played a pivotal role in implementing the city’s deployment plans for managing the protests stemming from the tragic killing of George Floyd. The efforts of the Baltimore Police Department, under his leadership, were notably commended by The New York Times for their effective handling of these protests.
In subsequent years, Worley pursued leadership positions beyond Baltimore. He sought the position of chief at the Austin Police Department in 2021 and, in 2022, applied for the chief role at the Greeley Police Department. However, he was not selected for either of these positions.
Worley’s career trajectory shifted in September 2022 when he assumed the role of deputy commissioner within the Baltimore Police Department, working alongside Michael S. Harrison. His dedication and leadership abilities led to his appointment as acting commissioner on June 9, 2023, following Harrison’s resignation. On July 17, 2023, Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon Scott officially nominated Worley for the position of commissioner.
While the Baltimore NAACP called for the withdrawal of his nomination, Worley garnered support from former Mayor Jack Young and State’s Attorney Ivan Bates. Subsequently, the Baltimore City Council Oversight Committee unanimously approved his nomination. On October 2, he received confirmation from the full Baltimore City Council, with the only dissenting vote coming from Phylicia Porter, the councilwoman representing the district affected by the 2023 Baltimore shooting, during which Worley served as acting commissioner.
Worley also fulfilled the role of acting commissioner during the 2023 murder of tech CEO Pava LaPere. His salary as acting commissioner was US$207,944. Upon the approval of his nomination by the City Council, the Baltimore Board of Estimates sanctioned a US$285,000 three-year contract for Worley on October 4, cementing his position as the city’s commissioner.
Personal life
Worley is a married individual and a proud parent of two children. Since August 2014, he has been actively involved in the role of a Major League Baseball merchandise authenticator.
