Annapolis Mayor Ellen Moyer said the city has found the “right man for the job” when the Annapolis City Council appointed Michael Pristoop to be the new police chief.

“In the interest of professional recommendations, public safety and really bringing about the changes we are attempting to bring about, we thought it was time to move,” said Moyer, who encouraged City Council during a closed-door meeting Monday to permanently appoint Pristoop, who has been acting as the interim chief for about three months.

Pristoop has been leading the city police department through the transition to updated technology and improved crime-fighting tactics.

A surge in homicides and police department vacancies, prompted the city to hire a consulting firm to assess its law enforcement and offer recommendations.

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Among those suggestions, the International City/Council Management Association told the council to hire a permanent police chief as soon as possible.

Pristoop, 42, who was hired in April following Chief Joseph Johnson’s retirement, has implemented changes in the department and hopes to reveal a comprehensive crime plan in the next few months.

The department is looking into recruiting additional police officers and using real-time crime-mapping to identify problem areas in need of more patrolling.

Pristoop has installed surveillance cameras around the city and increased patrols among public housing communities, where much of the recent crime has occurred.

Police spokesman Officer Hal Dalton said Wednesday that the department is pleased with the council’s decision to appoint Pristoop.

“He has more experience with technology from the other agencies that he’s come from and that offers great prospects for us,” Dalton said.

Pristoop previously led the Maryland General Services police and prior to that, he served more than 20 years in the Baltimore City Police Department.

cpeirce@baltimoreexaminer.com