Carolina Beach to begin search for police chief

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Carolina Beach officials speak out about hiring a new police chief. Town Manager Michael Cramer fired former chief Ken Hinkle in May for failing to abide by the town’s personnel policy.

As the visitors pile in for the summer, Cramer says he wants to fill the position before the tourist season is over.

Cramer says they will start advertising the position within the next week. He also did not rule out hiring from within, because right now Captain Humphries is holding the interim position. Cramer says he just hopes they have the position filled before the tourist season is over.

“If there is a learning curve regarding our season and the tourist activities that take place here, at least that individual gets the tail end for this year,” Cramer said.

Local business owner Chazz Pulliam says he trusts the town’s decision whatever it may be, because he relies on the police department, especially during the summer.

“I trust the town that they made the right decision firing the existing police chief,” Pulliam said. “I mean whatever we can do to get the replacement chief in there, but again the existing people that they have, the officers, and Humphries is a great guy. I’d be happy to see him in the police chief position as well.”

Cramer says right now they are reviewing the advertisement and deciding whether they will advertise it regionally or nationally. He says they hope to start interviewing in the next month.