Amsterdam appoints new chief of police

AMSTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The city of Amsterdam will soon have a new chief of police. Lieutenant Joseph Spencer will succeed current chief John Thomas as the next head of the Amsterdam Police Department, Mayor Michael Cinquanti announced on Monday.

Spencer joined the APD in July of 2010 and was promoted to detective in 2017. In 2020, he earned the rank of sergeant before ascending to lieutenant one year later.

"This appointment is not just about what’s happened up until now. It is instead about the future of policing in this city. That future requires a leader who, in addition to having earned the respect of those he will lead, will also need to effectively navigate the constantly emerging challenges and trends of law enforcement as they impact the APD," said Mayor Cinquanti. "Lt. Spencer is the individual best prepared to meet these challenges and it is an honor for me to be the mayor who appoints him to the position of Chief of the Amsterdam Police Department."

Spencer is scheduled to be sworn in on November 20 at Amsterdam City Hall.