Deputy Police Chief Brian James will be the next Greensboro police chief according to a press release from the City of Greensboro on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Sometimes rumors turn out to be true. Although the selection of the new police chief was confidential, the rumors in the Police Department and at city hall were that James had been selected, and the question people were asking was when the announcement would be made. The answer turned out to be that the announcement was made Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. when City Manager David Parrish announced his decision to hire James as the new chief.
James, 49, grew up in Greensboro and will take over his duties on Feb. 1. Police Chief Wayne Scott retires on Jan. 31, so Greensboro won’t go through a period of having an interim police chief.
James joined the Greensboro Police Department in 1996 and has served in the Police Neighborhood Resource Center, the Criminal Investigations Division, the Training Division, the Resource Management Division and is currently the commander of the Patrol Division.
James is a graduate of Page High School and has a bachelors degree in business administration from North Carolina A&T State University, so not only did James grow up in Greensboro, he also attended college here. James also has an MBA from Pfeiffer University, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the administrative officer’s management program at NC State University.
The City of Greensboro conducted a competitive national search and went through an extensive interview process in selecting the new chief. Before the search started, the city held a number of public hearings all across the city to gather input on what the people of Greensboro wanted in a new police chief.
James said, “I’m very humbled and honored to be selected as chief of police in my home town. I look forward to building upon and establishing relationships as we partner to ensure the safety of all members of our community.”
Assistant City Manager Trey Davis, a former police captain who was the point man on the police chief selection process, said, “This is an exciting moment for the City of Greensboro. We have been able to select a police chief who embodies the professionalism and experience to lead the Police Department, while having a true heart for the community as a Greensboro native.”
James’ salary as police chief will be $150,000 plus an annual executive allowance of $4,320.
Is he going to be another one from the good ole boys club from the GPD? I really hope not and he will bring transparency and accountability to the GPD. Only time will tell
Is dep chief brian James same Brian James discussed in Cops in Black and White published in 50 articles in Rhino Times ?
Good luck Brian. You’re gonna need it.
James originally refused to pay up after he lost his lawsuit he filed against the rhino times.