Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Garner swears in Chris Adams as police chief; he pledges data-driven, community-focused policing
Summary
Garner swore in Chris Adams as police chief Sept. 16. Adams, a 26‑year law enforcement veteran, outlined a four‑point strategy emphasizing communication, compassion, professional development and accountability and said the department will pursue data and technology to improve public safety.
Mayor Gupton administered the oath Sept. 16 and the Garner Town Council welcomed Chris Adams as the town’s new police chief. Adams told the council and the packed audience he began his Garner career 20 years ago and has served 26 years in law enforcement overall.
“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 after being sworn in. He thanked family members, mentors and former chiefs for their support.
Adams laid out four priorities for the Garner Police Department: elite communication (internally and with the public), compassion toward community members in need, continual professional mastery through training and mentorship, and accountability. He also said the department will be “data driven and analytical” in deploying resources and will “explore new ways to utilize technology and artificial intelligence to maximize our effective effectiveness and to improve efficiency.”
Council members offered congratulations. Mayor Pro Tem Vance and several councilors praised Adams’s experience and the department’s readiness; the council highlighted continued support for public‑safety equipment such as in‑car and body cameras. The town did not take any formal vote related to the appointment at the meeting; the swearing‑in was ceremonial and followed the town’s prior hiring process.
The council invited residents and colleagues to meet Adams at an informal reception after the council session, and councilors noted the meeting would continue into regular legislative business.
