SMITHFIELD – The Town of Smithfield has been without a permanent police chief since Keith Powell retired in November 2022. However, the Town is only weeks away from having a new police chief on the job.
According to Town Manager Mike Scott, the police chief search remains ongoing and is in its final stages. Assessment center testing were completed in late-June, by the firm hired to help Smithfield with the search.
Mr. Scott said five candidates took part in the recent assessments.
“We are now finalizing the very top candidates and I intend to make a job offer soon. Following that, a background investigation will be completed by an outside firm. This will be completed even if the final candidate comes from inside the organization. We hope to have the new Chief on Board by mid-August,” Mr. Scott told The Johnston County Report.
Captain James Grady was named the interim police chief in February 2023.
The town manager Scott should not be in charge of nothing like that.
The way things are looking there will not be a Police Department left to manage by mid-August.