Mayor Doug Wilder's latest hire, Brian Norwood, certainly has received a lovely introduction to Southern hospitality. "He probably doesn't know squat about Richmond," snarled David Childress, the head of the Richmond Coalition of Police, which represents about 100 of the city's 760 officers. Childress says Wilder has made a "grievous error" in picking Norwood as Richmond's new chief, and terms the decision "totally ridiculous."

Well. Norwood, currently the chief in Bridgeport, Conn., will assume his responsibilities here the day before Richmonders select a new mayor. A reasonable argument can be made that Wilder would have shown more prudence by letting his successor name the new chief. But that valid point certainly does not invalidate Norwood's qualifications, which seem entirely respectable.

Some contend respect should not be given freely but earned. Wrong. Individuals deserve respect until they prove otherwise. (And even then they deserve courtesy.) We hope the new chief lives up to the mayor's faith in him -- and wish him, in the meantime, a more pleasant time in the city than his initial welcome.