Whiteville Chief of Police reflects on 30 year long career as retirement draws near

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — After more than 30 years of service, Douglas Ipock, the Whiteville Chief of Police, will retire soon.

Ipock became Chief in 2019 and under his leadership, the Whiteville Police Department saw significant growth as it became nationally accredited and is now fully staffed with 24 officers.

With his retirement approaching, Ipock reflected on what he will miss the most, interactions with coworkers and community members, relationships he worked hard to strengthen.

“Working with them over the last 5, 5 and a half years, whether it be internally with all of the employees here or externally with community members, with community businesses and things like that,” Ipock said. “That’s gonna be what I’m gonna miss the most. The job, I love the job, it’s been a wonderful career but it’s the people within this career that I’m going to miss the most.”

“He’s a fine outstanding man in the community,” Greg Hewett said. “We’ve come to appreciate and love the guy, Ipock.”

Ipock’s career began decades ago when he joined the New Bern Police Department in 1994.

He spent more than 25 years there, working on everything from street crimes and narcotics to homicides and computer crimes.

Ipock plans to stay in Whiteville and said his involvement with the department will continue long after he retires.

“I’ll help any way possible to transition the department from, into, with another chief. They gave me the opportunity to be the chief here and I think that’s only befitting to give them, you know, the things they need to be successful as well.”

Ipock’s last day will be on February 28th.

The search for Whiteville’s new Chief of Police is underway and Ipock’s replacement will soon be announced.