Garner swears in Chris Adams as police chief

Mayor Gupton administered the oath of office and formally swore in Chris Adams as chief of the Garner Police Department during the Sept. 16 Garner Town Council meeting. Adams, who traced his interest in policing to an uncle who worked locally, thanked past chiefs, the council and his family and described a department-wide vision focused on communication, compassion, training and accountability.

The ceremony drew numerous current and former law enforcement leaders and a large turnout of officers. Adams told the council he joined the Garner department 26 years earlier and later served as interim chief before his promotion. "I will strive to be the best leader I can be and for our department to continue working with our stakeholders and working with the community to keep Garner safe and to engage with the community in very meaningful ways," Adams said.

Adams said the department will be "data driven and analytical" in deploying resources and will explore technology and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency. He outlined four priorities: elite internal and external communication, compassion toward community members and one another, mastery of the profession through training and mentorship, and mutual accountability for mistakes and misconduct.

Council members offered congratulations after the oath. Mayor Pro Tem Vance said he hoped for "much good success" for Adams and the department. Council member Behringer called the turnout "an amazing display of respect and honor for our new chief." Council member Matthews reiterated the council's support for public safety tools and funding.

Adams acknowledged his family and mentors, including several previous Garner chiefs, and closed by invoking the U.S. Marine Corps motto "Semper Fidelis." The swearing-in was part of the regular meeting and preceded the council's legislative business.