Michael File promoted to Police Chief in Spencer
SPENCER – Michael File will officially begin a new role as Spencer’s Police Chief on May 30. Town Manager Peter Franzese selected File for promotion after the Town conducted a thorough search process, which attracted dozens of candidates from across the United States. File has served as acting Chief of the Spencer Police Department since November of 2021.
File has 16 years of law enforcement experience and joined the Spencer Police Department in 2017 as a criminal investigator. File later served as Sergeant with responsibility for criminal investigations and school resource officers. His recognitions include being named officer of the year multiple times, and he was recently honored by the Terrie Hess House Children’s Advocacy Center with the Multidisciplinary Team Partner of the Year Award.
“I am excited to have earned the opportunity to lead the Spencer Police Department,” said File. “I have worked toward the goal of becoming a police chief during my career, and I have learned from many fantastic mentors over the years. We have a great group of officers here, and my desire is to build upon the foundation we currently have to create a model small-town law enforcement agency that is noted for its best practices, outstanding service to the community, and culture of teamwork and collaboration.”
Spencer Police provide all law enforcement services for the town, with the assistance and partnership of the community. The Department includes a Code Compliance division, responsible for enforcement of the Town’s Code of Ordinances related to minimum housing, abandoned structures, overgrown lots, abandoned and junk vehicles, and other public nuisances within the Town.
In addition to responsibility for the daily safety of the Town’s residents and businesses, Spencer Police support community safety at schools and for visitors. A partnership with Rowan-Salisbury Schools provides funding for two School Resource Officers, assigned to North Rowan High School and North Rowan Middle School. The Town also partners with the NC Transportation Museum to provide site security, special event coverage, and other services.
“Chief File has a passion for service and a vision of how to develop and support his team while focusing on the community,” said Franzese. “Chief File has demonstrated that he is prepared for this role through his performance, professional and educational background, and collaboration with colleagues and community partners. This is an exciting next step for the Town as we continue to build an outstanding team of professionals.”
Recognizing a close relationship between the Spencer Police Department and the community is an essential part of a responsive and responsible Town of Spencer government. The Chief’s Citizen Advisory Board, chartered by the Board of Aldermen, serve to provide input and insight into how policing is being experienced and how it can be better in the community. The benefits of such a relationship are immeasurable not only for the Police Department, but also the citizens and business community. The CAB is a means of enhancing police/community relations, communications, transparency, community confidence, and trust.
Chief File began Basic Law Enforcement Training in 2005, sponsored by the Rockwell Police Department. He graduated as the top cadet in his class and began his career in Rockwell. He also served with the Landis Police Department and the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office. He attended Stanly Community College where he obtained an associate degree in criminal justice and later attended Liberty University where he graduated with honors, holding dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Criminal Justice and Crime Scene Management. He has attended numerous advanced law enforcement training classes and has more than 2,400 hours of specialized training in a variety of disciplines, including patrol operations, criminal investigations, community relations, and law enforcement supervision. He also holds his Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate issued by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
He and his wife, Miranda, have been married for 21 years and have two children, Kyndal (7) and Emmett (1). File enjoys spending time with family, fishing, traveling, and baseball. The family attends West Innes Street Church of Christ where File is the co-chairman of the building and grounds committee and active in church activities.
A formal oath of office ceremony will be planned in the coming weeks, which will include an opportunity for the community to meet and greet Chief File.