Teresa Chambers was introduced to the public Tuesday as the firstpolice chief in a large city in North Carolina. Since theannouncement of her hiring, much as been said about Chambers' extensiveexperience in law enforcement. She spent 21 years in police work in PrinceGeorge's County, Maryland. Durham residents say they hope she can make adifference here.
The Durham City Council chamber was filled with excitement as the newchief shook hands and talked to city officials. Chambers says she alreadyhas a game plan in place.
Sgt. Phil Wiggams is the president of the Fraternal Order of Police inDurham County. He says after years of controversy within the policedepartment, Chambers is a welcome addition.
Durham Police Officer F. L. Francis says she's confident Chambers willdeliver the leadership that's needed on the force.
City leaders are telling the new chief to look only to the future, butChambers acknowledges she has a battle to wage against years of risingcrime in the Bull City. Crime increased there by 12 percent last yearalone, and drugs have been a big problem for years.
Chambers takes over her new position January 20. She is now in theprocess of moving to Durham with her husband.
Photographer:Ed Wilson
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