Spencer Police Chief Mike James Announces Retirement
In Spencer, Chief James has focused on crime reduction, customer service, and partnerships with the community. In the past year, he spearheaded an effort to form the Police Chief’s Citizen Advisory Board, which was recently highlighted in a UNC School of Government publication.
“I want to thank all the elected officials and citizens I have had the opportunity to work with over the past eleven years. I especially want to thank all the Police personnel who placed their lives on the line daily as they performed their important duties,” said James. “I too, want to thank all the members of the Chief’s Advisory Board for all you have done to help me in my position as Chief of Police. My goal has been to reduce crime and make Spencer a safer place for our citizens and visitors to live, work, and play. I will miss all the friends I have made while working in this great Town! Best wishes to all our residents and may God continue to bless our great Town and all its people!”
He also was instrumental in the planning and design of the new Town Hall and Police Department, which is the latest of workplace improvements in recent years. Over the past two years the Board of Aldermen have also invested in new vehicles, needed equipment and training, and a competitive pay plan.
“On behalf of the Board of Aldermen, I thank Chief James for his service and dedication to the people of Spencer over the last eleven years,” said Mayor Jonathan Williams. “We wish him well as he pursues a new role in his law enforcement career.”
Detective Sergeant Mike File has been named ranking officer in command, while the Town conducts a search for its next Chief of Police.