Chris Schultheis named interim Greensboro police chief as John Thompson retires

Assistant Chief Chris Schultheis will become interim chief of the Greensboro Police Department effective Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, the City of Greensboro announced Feb. 20, 2026; the appointment takes effect when current Chief John Thompson retires at the end of February. In the city release and the department’s Facebook post, Schultheis said, “I am honored to serve in this role until the City names its next Chief of Police.”

City officials described the move as an internal, short-term leadership transition while the City names or searches for a permanent chief. The department’s Facebook post headlined “City To Appoint Interim Chief of the Greensboro Police Department” and included a career timeline, awards and the statement that Schultheis will serve in the interim role beginning Feb. 27.

Schultheis joined the Greensboro Police Department in 1998 as a member of the 74th Police Academy. He was promoted to corporal in 2004 and received the Lifesaving Medal that year. He became a sergeant in 2008, during which time his assignments included work on the development and implementation of GPD’s body-worn camera program. Rhinotimes records show he was promoted to lieutenant in 2014, the year he earned an Advanced Law Enforcement certificate and received the Meritorious Conduct Bar.

As a lieutenant, Schultheis held assignments including Watch Commander, Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division and Training Division. He was promoted to captain in 2020 and oversaw Special Operations Division, Training Division and the Vice and Narcotics Division at that rank. In 2024 he was elevated to assistant chief and served as Bureau Commander of the Management Bureau, which the city lists as encompassing Resource Management Division, Training Division, Office of Community Engagement, Fiscal Management and Information and Technology.

The department’s Facebook announcement drew 712 reactions, 138 comments and 20 shares. Sample public comments captured on the post included Anita Nippard: “Are those official issue blue eyes, Chief? Because they’re impressive,” Alexandra Urshan: “He looks like JD Vance,” and Becky Taylor: “Congratulations Chris, on your appointment as Interim Chief. I am so very proud of you and all of your accomplishments in your career. Way to go!!” The Facebook capture also shows the department replied to several comments.

Coverage of the appointment was accompanied by a portrait photo of Schultheis in multiple outlets, including a caption noting “A photo of newly announced Greensboro Interim Police Chief Chris Schultheis.” One unrelated image caption appearing in an aggregate feed referenced Hurricane Helene damage on the Swannanoa River dated Feb. 5, 2025, and is not connected to the appointment.

Schultheis will assume interim duties on Feb. 27 and lead the department until the City names its next Chief of Police; the city has not provided a timetable for the formal selection process or detailed comments from Mayor or City Manager about the search.