NC town residents want chief to restore trust

SPRING LAKE, N.C. -- Residents of an eastern North Carolina town where sheriff's deputies have taken over law enforcement duties say they want a new chief who can restore trust in the police department. The Fayetteville Observer reported that about 40 people attended a public forum Thursday held by the consulting firm handling the search for a new Spring Lake police chief. Cumberland County sheriff's deputies have handled law enforcement for the town since early May, when a judge effectively stripped the department of its remaining powers after the arrests of two supervising officers. The former chief resigned, and the SBI is investigating the department. James McIver says he hopes the new chief will start a civilian review board to help avoid any future problems. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)