By Staff
Chief Reed desires
community-oriented
effort by department
By CLAUD HODGES
Newsroom Manager
The Washington Police Department has hired two more officers.
Tierra Shanee Parker will begin work on Monday. Parker is completing her law-enforcement training at Pitt Community College. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where she earned a degree in criminal justice.
Willis Cahoon Watts Jr. was sworn in July 25.
Watts completed his basic law-enforcement training at Beaufort County Community College on July 8. He received an award for academic excellence.
Watts spent 18 years in the Navy, where he specialized in the aviation and military-police fields.
The department has 38 funded sworn-officer positions. It has three civilian positions, and it has five part-time positions.
Reed said he is pleased with the officers the department has hired during his first year as chief. He started his post as police chief on June 4, 2007. Reed came from South Boston, Va.
During Reed’s first year, Aaron Michael Mobley, Victor Vandell Garnett, Brian Richard Pauli Jr. and Franklin Dean Watson were also hired as officers.
Reed said the department’s veteran officers have been a major component in the improvement of the department through its hiring successes during his first year.
Lt. William Chrismon, a division commander with the department, is involved in the hiring process.
Chrismon said he has noticed an increased morale in the department since Reed has become chief and made quality hires.
Beaufort County Sheriff Alan Jordan said he admires the work Reed is doing at the department.
Jordan said Washington residents should feel confident to have a police chief with Reed’s credentials.
To apply, prospective offices should visit the department’s Web site at http://www.ci.washington.nc.us/police.aspx, by contacting Chrismon by phone at (252) 948-9444 or by e-mail at wchrismon@washingtonnc.gov.