The new Chief of Police in Belmont, North Carolina isn’t a certified law enforcement officer so he can’t wear a badge, make arrests, or carry a department-issued gun.
The unusual designation of Administrative Chief comes as H.C. “Skip” Clark, a 36-year-veteran of law enforcement, let his certification expire over a year ago, according to the Gaston Gazette.
An officer whose certification lapses for more than a year must repeat Basic Law Enforcement Training in North Carolina. The program includes 600 hours of study and physical training.
If Clark had a current law enforcement certification, the course would only be 96 hours.
In North Carolina, less than 3% of police chiefs are not sworn officers, according to the N.C. Department of Justice.
The former chief, Charlie Franklin, was fired under suspicion of creating a hostile work environment by intimidating employees and failing to follow procedure. Franklin fought his termination but was ultimately let go.
Another Vaughn, New Mexico situation!
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