Leland Residents Meet Town’s Top Cop

Tim Jayne says his biggest challenge as Leland’s new police chief is planning for the future.

“Growth is always going to be important here in Leland,” Jayne said. “As we expand into new neighborhoods, as the demand for police services increase, exactly how we respond to that.”

On Sunday, Jayne met and greeted Leland residents at Leland’s town hall.

Before moving to Leland, Jayne served as a Captain on the Charlotte police force. Leland town council member Herbert Barnes says Jayne’s experience in a larger city will come in handy when dealing with the town’s growing pains.

“We don’t have a big gang problem here, we don’t have a big drug problem here,” said Barnes. “But, let’s be honest. If you’re going to grow, you’re going to have those issues come in. So I think he will be proactive in handling all of these new issues.”

As of now the town of Leland doesn’t have a lot of crime and residents here hope it will stay that way.

Particularly in the police department itself. Run-ins with the law have forced two high-ranking law enforcement officials in Brunswick County to step down in the past six months. Former Brunswick County Sheriff Ron Hewett pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice charges. Navassa police chief Ricky Thorpe stepped down after being charged with drunk driving.

“I think the police are doing a good job as far as law enforcement and that,” said Leland resident Alfred Mitchell. “But just, you know, no corruption and keeping the police clean. I think that is the number one priority.”

Jayne started as Leland police chief almost two months ago. He says some of the area’s most common crimes are larceny at gas stations and construction sites—problems he hopes to address in the coming months.