City of Jacksonville names new police chief

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — The City of Jacksonville will be saying hello to a new police chief soon.

Jarad L. Phelps, a 28-year veteran in law enforcement, was selected to fill the chief of police position for Jacksonville. Phelps is from Virginia and has served the Prince William County Police Department since 1996. He has a Bachelor’s in Political Science from James Madison University as well as a Master’s in Public Administration from George Mason University.

Phelps has worked with the Search and Rescue Team, the Honor Guard, the SWAT Team, Incident Management Team, Sergeant of the Bicycle Unit, First Sergeant of the Operations Division, Deputy Commander of the Western District, Deputy CID Commander for the Property Crimes Bureau, and Deputy CIP Commander for the Youth Services and Special Victims Division. He also served as Deputy Bureau Commander for Special Operations, Captain of multiple Divisions, Assistant Chief of Police for Operations, Acting Chief of Police, and Deputy Chief of Police.

Phelps has graduated from the FBI National Academy, the FBI National Executive Institute Associates, the Police Executive Research Forum (SMIP), and the Harvard Kennedy School of Leadership Senior Executives in State and Local Government program.

Jacksonville’s City Manager, Joshua W. Ray, said is looking forward to Phelps filling the role.

“Mr Phelps will be joining a Department which has been built on the excellent work of our Officers to create a world-class police agency.  The recruitment and selection process used by the City was extensive and included both external and internal participation.  Our goal was to find the right person who can lead and support our Officers in their efforts to keep Jacksonville safe.  We are confident that Mr Phelps will not only be a strong addition to our City of Jacksonville team but that he will be an asset to our community.” said Ray.

Phelps will work with the Director of Public Safety, Mike Yaniero.

“Mr Phelps has extensive experience not only in law enforcement but brings a deeper level of knowledge gained through his time at the FBI National Academy and through a wide variety of other training and masters of learning. We have faith that he is the right person to work side by side with our current team of leaders, officers, fire and emergency services personnel, telecommunicators and support staff,” said Yaniero.

Phelps is set to begin working with the department in early July.

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