Carolina Beach could have a new chief of police by the end of the summer, according to police officials.
The search comes following the suspension and eventual termination of former police chief Kenneth Hinkle, who was fired for insubordination, not complying with the town’s personnel policy and “poor performance in complying with rules and regulations necessary for the proper administration of the police department,” according to his termination letter.
Hinkle was placed on non-disciplinary suspension with pay on April 15 and was fired on May 8. According to Town Manager Michael Cramer, Hinkle, who was hired in November 2013, was let go due to personnel issues but did not elaborate.
The former chief appealed the decision, but was denied.
The search for a new department head began in June, and the deadline for applications was July 15. According to Interim Police Chief Harry Humphries, 75 applications were received, some from as far away as California. That is an increase from the 50 candidates who applied in 2013, the last time the Carolina Beach Police Department was looking for a new leader.
After the human resources department narrows down the pool of applicants, a board will be put together to interview the finalists.
“The whole process should take about a month,” said Humphries. “We should have a new police chief by mid-August.”
Humphries, who has served as acting chief since April, will continue to hold that position until a permanent department head is named.
