CARRBORO, N.C. -- Town Manager David Andrews has announced the appointment of Police Capt. Chris Atack, a 22-year veteran of the Carrboro Police Department, as the next Police Chief for the Town of Carrboro, effective Feb. 15, 2021.
“Chris has the right combination of experience and qualities that will make him a successful police chief,” said Town Manager David Andrews. “We have chosen a leader who will continue to make positive progress toward community policing, equal justice, and continuous improvement going forward.”
The appointment follows Police Chief Walter Horton’s retirement. Police Capt. Atack was selected from a field of 36 applicants in a competitive recruitment process.
“I am humbled, honored and excited with this opportunity,” Atack said. “The year 2020 was a challenge for a number of reasons and laid bare many of the persistent inequities in our country. Our department has unique opportunities to address, respond, and adapt to these realities as we focus on community service, transparency, and solution-driven thinking.”
Atack joined the Carrboro Police Department in 1999. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Guilford College and a master’s degree in justice administration from Methodist University. He is a graduate of the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government Leadership Fellows Program. Additionally, he has taught Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) since 2008 at local community colleges including Alamance, Central Carolina and currently at Durham Tech.
“Thank you to retired Chief Horton and all the other officers and co-workers who have given me opportunities to grow and be challenged,” Atack said.
The Carrboro Police Department townofcarrboro.org/Police employs about 40 police officers and staff members in three divisions of patrol, investigations and community services.
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