Town of Belhaven seeks public input on police protection

Published 12:14 pm Monday, March 25, 2024

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The Town of Belhaven is asking residents to fill out a 15-question survey on police protection in town. The survey was published to the town’s Facebook page on Sunday, Mar. 25.

Residents are asked how important is it to them to have police protection, 24 hours a day, seven days a week in Belhaven, how they would rate the visibility of police in town, how much trust and confidence do they have in the local police force, what are their biggest safety concerns, what the priorities of local law enforcement should be and more.

The survey follows the departure of Belhaven’s Police Chief, Chris Kelly. On Feb. 28, it was announced that Kelly would resign; however, there was not an official date for his transition out of the department had not been set. Kelly is leaving the department to “explore other opportunities in law enforcement,” according to the Town of Belhaven. Kelly worked for the department for 13 years before being promoted to Chief in early November. Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office currently assists the Belhaven Police Department with patrols.

According to the Town of Belhaven’s calendar, a special called meeting is scheduled for Monday Mar. 25 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Belhaven Civic Center. Council will discuss the search for a police chief in closed session, Town Manager Lynn Davis shared.