Officials in the town of Leland promoted Jeremy Humphries to the role of chief of the Leland Police Department, according to a May news release.

Humphries has 23 years of law enforcement experience. He joined the Leland department in 2012 as a detective and moved up the ranks, serving as a sergeant in investigations, support services lieutenant, patrol lieutenant and most recently, support services captain.

“As chief of police, I look forward to continuing to build relationships with our residents,” Humphries said in the release. “Our department is committed to providing the highest level of service to those who live, work, and visit our town. We plan to advance our services to ensure we are meeting the needs of our community as we continue toward our vision of being the safest town in southeastern North Carolina."

Public Safety Director Chris Langlois said, “In addition to his excellent qualifications and years of experience in law enforcement operations, management and leadership, Chief Humphries’ passion and love for the department, its people, and the community they serve make him the ideal person to lead the Leland Police Department onward towards a successful future of exceptional service to the town."

With Humphries’ leadership, the department "has improved efficiencies and services by implementing a video magistrate service, an automated fingerprint identification system, an Intoximeter on site, and a new records management system.

Among other professional accomplishments, Humphries has served as an assistant school director for basic law enforcement training at Bladen Community College and the agency school director for speed measuring instruments. He has also served on the North Carolina State Criminal Justice Partnership Advisory Board.

Humphries has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Fayetteville State University and an advanced law enforcement certificate from North Carolina Training and Standards.