City of Naperville Introduces New Police Chief Bob Marshall

Bob Marshall began preparing for the job of police chief the moment he signed up for his first criminal justice class as a student at Western Illinois University.

On Tuesday, the named Marshall, the city’s assistant city manager, as its new police chief. Marshall will be replacing , who is retiring later this month. Marshall will be sworn in May 18. 

“I am extremely grateful and honored for the opportunity to serve Naperville as its next police chief,” Marshall said. “Serving the community as police chief offers the chance to contribute to the community differently than my current role as assistant city manager. … Some things take a while. I have visualized this day since I first applied for the position 23 years ago and the city leaders at that time made the right choice of Dave Dial.”

Marshall has 27 years experience in law enforcement in Naperville and has worked as the assistant city manager for the last seven years.

Coming into the role, he starts off with some major business to attend to, including two union contracts that expired Monday, key resignations including Deputy Chief Gary Bolt, and plans to meet with the entire department and officials to discuss the six focus areas he feels need to be addressed. 

Until he meets with the officers and police department employees, Marshall said he would not discuss the six focus areas.

One quality that Marshall brought to the position that other candidates didn’t was his familiarity with the city council and the city council’s familiarity with him, said City Manager Doug Krieger.

“He knows how they think and he knows what to expect from them. He can tailor his decisions based on that,” Krieger said. 

Police Chief David Dial introduced Marshall, explaining that 22 years ago to the day Dial was sworn in as police chief and on the same day Marshall was promoted to lieutenant. He emphasized that Marshall was a man of strong character and an ethical leader.

“He is a man of integrity, honesty, everything you would really want,” said Mayor George Pradel. “It was a pleasure to have him lead. He had leadership and I watched his leadership along the way.”

As he transitions into the position, Marshall said that one of the things he plans to continue is the police department’s mission, which revolves around providing police services to residents and having well-trained officers who are able to respond in a timely manner.

The department wants to continue to keep the community safe, respond to crime calls and also provide community service, which is so important to the Naperville community, Marshall said.

In addition, he said keeping up with technology is vital to staying one step ahead of the criminals who are using the Internet and other technology to take advantage of victims. 

"This day is truly a dream come true," Marshall said addressing the crowd who attended the program. "I guess to say once a cop, always a cop—at least in my case is an accurate one.” 

Over the years, Marshall said he learned valuable lessons from Dial and praised Dial for helping to build the department up to a high-integrity police organization. Marshall said Dial was leaving a proud legacy of public service.

“My passion for policing and commitment to public service and keeping the community safe is solid,” Marshall said. “As chief, I will be dedicated to ensuring that top-level, cost-effective police services are delivered to the residents and businesses timely, fairly, professionally and with integrity. I am truly honored and feel very privileged to be named the next Naperville police chief.  I promise to do my best to make all of you proud, as well as the community proud.” 

Bob Marshall background

1977-83: Patrol officer and field training officer

1983-86: Detective investigating crimes against people and working with multi-agency task forces

1986-90: Police sergeant supervising a team of patrol officers

1990-92: Police lieutenant commanding the planning, training and research division; named the department’s first accreditation manager in 1990.

1992-2005: Promoted to police captain, serving as commander of both the investigations division and the patrol divisions

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  • Developed a neighborhood-based, customer driven municipal service center and a family resource center within a multi-family housing complex.
  • Implemented a problem-oriented policing concept with permanent patrol beats, a downtown beat, officer and team policing.
  • Received the department’s Meritorious Service Award in 2005

2005-2012: Served as assistant city manager

Source: City of Naperville