LELAND, NC (WECT) – Deputy Chief Karl Smith is the acting Leland Police Chief until a long-term replacement is hired. Town Manager David Hollis requested Smith lead the department after firing former Police Chief Tim Jayne in an attempt to "reorganize the town."
Smith said it was a request that was hard to deny.
The interim police chief has a packed resume and a passion for serving the town. He's back in uniform after retirement and is now turning a over a new page in his own life and for the Leland Police Department.
Smith is in the process of moving forward and doesn't plan to leave any of his officers behind.
"You can't forget the past because that's where we learn from the mistakes but we don't want to focus on that," explained Smith. "That shouldn't be the focus of our agency or the town."
Smith is trying to rebuild confidence within its own walls and its town limits. He wants to maintain services and try to take a step above.
"Try to get some forward momentum going and work with the community, get the officers in on it and go forward," said Smith.
The interim police chief refused to comment on the termination of Jayne and a pending investigation into the department by the SBI, instead he spoke about his game plan to build back officer morale.
"What I'd like is to get people to do what I do," explained Smith. "I get up in the morning and say I get to go to work today. People say work is a four letter word. I've seen the spark die in some but it's coming back."
Smith understands this won't be an overnight transition but said there is no better time than today to start making changes.
Smith has been with the Leland Police Department since November 2007. Before that, he worked for the Charleston Police Department, where he later retired.
All together, Smith has about 25 years of police work under his belt.
The police chief position has not yet been posted.
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Interim Police Chief Karl Smith hopes to build confidence and morale.
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