Interim Chief Mike James officially appointed Leland police chief

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — The town of Leland officially has a new top cop. Interim Chief Mike James officially got the job at Thursday night’s Leland Town Council meeting.

After months of controversy surrounding their police department, the Leland Town Manager hopes the new hire will help turn things around. Mike James, who has been serving as the interim police chief in Leland since February was appointed permanent chief Thursday.

Town Manager David Hollis says James was simply the best person for the job. He says several candidates were interviewed, many that were just as qualified as James, but says in the end, James was the right fit.

James says he’s very excited about the future for Leland and says the department will continue to have an open and honest relationship with Leland residents.