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By Sarah Calams
Police1
KENLY, N.C. — Last summer, the entire police force at the Kenly (N.C.) Police Department resigned after citing a toxic work environment as well as a conflict with the town manager. Months later, the town manager was fired after just three months into her two-year contract. Now, the town has hired a new police chief who’s ready to fill the vacancies left behind.
Kenly Police Chief James Ayers, who started his law enforcement career in 1993, resigned from his chief position in Enfield, North Carolina, last September, citing an “oppressive and hostile work environment” by town leaders, WRAL.com reported. His resignation came after controversy surrounding the destruction of a Confederate monument in Enfield, according to the report.
Currently, the department is made up of Ayers and one reserve officer. Four full-time officers had resigned, as well as the former police chief. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is currently patrolling and responding to incidents, WRAL.com reported.
“I’m going to get on the recruiting trail. Go to community colleges to talk to young cadets,” Ayers said, noting he aims to have a full police force by late this summer.
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