The watchlist — which allegedly included reporters, activists, and attorneys — was allegedly aimed at limiting the disclosure of records that could embarrass the Metropolitan Police Department.

Community members called Contee “homegrown” and “reform-minded,” while lawmakers questioned him about police reform.

Karima Holmes’s departure comes at a time of intense scrutiny for the agency.

In picking the 31-year D.C. veteran, Mayor Muriel Bowser stayed within the police department and also spurned calls from activists for broad community engagement in the process.

The protesters are concerned about Newsham’s history of abuse allegations, and about how he has handled protests and racial justice in D.C.

Peter Newsham will become chief of the Prince William County Police Department in February. Supporters applaud his ability to head a 50% Black police force in the nation’s capital. Activists say change goes deeper than the makeup of the force.

Residents called him an example of “good leadership” and “a poster child for the bad cop” in a meeting that also saw a vote on whether to ban consideration of defunding police in the county’s strategic plan.

Newsham will start in February 2021.

Some are calling for stricter enforcement of public health guidance, while others say this highlights the need for bigger changes.

“Officers are not required to wear PPE while out on patrol and many are choosing to forego masks,” wrote the ACLU of D.C. in a letter to city leaders this week.