PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)- The Portsmouth Police Department’s new chief of police was sworn in on Sept. 3, 2021.

The swearing-in ceremony for Lt. Colonel Renado Prince took place inside the City Council Chambers at 11 a.m. and was open to the public.

“I think I’m up t the challenge; me along with my staff and the officers I have. I think we are going to accomplish great things,” said Chief Renado Prince.

Prince first joined the Portsmouth Police Department in 2018 as an assistant police chief. He has worked in law enforcement for over 38 years with more than 15 years operating at the Command Staff/ Executive level.

He spent 22 years in the Wilmington, North Carolina Police Department. He was later recruited as the chief of police at the Albert J. Ellis Airport in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Prince also served in the U.S. Air Force as a Law Enforcement Specialist through several assignments. He served overseas in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm and had combat decorations from his service.

“A lot of people say you have to lead from the front. Well, how about if you lead side by the side? If everybody’s got the same ideal, if everybody’s marching to the same tune, because they’ve been informed and educated on where we want to go. If everybody is together on one page moving forward you get a better result,” he said during the swearing-in ceremony.

There is a police shortage in Portsmouth. At last check, the department was short 89 officers.

Chief Prince said the most important thing to do is to partner with other agencies.

The sheriff is providing assistance and the City Manager is working with police to improve pay and benefits.