MT. AIRY — Mt. Airy Interim Police Chief Tim Jarrell made his first report to the town council during its meeting Monday night.
"Mayor and members of the council, I'd like to thank y'all for this opportunity," Jarrell told the council. "This is not something that I take lightly. I'm very honored to be here and to help y'all."
Jarrell explained one of the administrative tasks currently taking place in the department.
"The police department currently is undergoing some policy and procedures to be implemented," Jarrell said. "We're hoping that these policies and procedures will not only benefit the department, but also benefit the community in whole, and also will show the transparency of your police department when it comes to its citizen encounters."
Councilman Ray McAllister praised Jarrell for the positive comments he and other town officials have heard about increased neighborhood patrols.
McAllister asked Mayor Gary Morris if the town has a timeline for hiring a permanent replacement for former Police Chief Corey Allen, whose resignation was accepted by Morris last week and affirmed by the town council Monday night.
Morris said the town can move as quickly or as slowly as officials deem necessary, though he doesn't feel that rushing is necessary.
Following the meeting, Jarrell further discussed with AccessWDUN the early days of his interim term as head of Mt. Airy Police Department.
"Things are going great," Jarrell said. "I've met with several members of the community and spoken with them, kind of getting an idea of what they feel like their police department services should be given to them."
Jarrell reiterated he is working to revise and implement policies and procedures and train the officers on them.
"We're also conducting an inventory of all town property," Jarrell said.
