Officials are investigating a discrimination complaint from a current police officer. Over the summer, there also were allegations of officer misconduct.
Sources close to the department told WRAL two officers apparently lost their jobs after ransacking a suspect's car.
The town also is searching for a new police chief after Stacy Pleasant decided to retire in October after 15 years in that position.
Pleasant said he had been planning to retire to spend more time with his family, and town officials say he left on good terms.
Despite the search for a new police chief, Mayor John Byrne and other leaders said the department is taking positive steps forward. However, sources close to the department told WRAL that internal unrest remains.
Business owner Peggy Dickens said that, while she has questions about the police department, she does not question public safety.
"Well, I think we were all curious as to what was happening, so that we'll all know what's going on," Dickens said. "Any time I've ever needed them, they check in and see how we're doing."
The town manager confirms that the
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
is conducting the discrimination investigation.
The town manager also hopes to start interviewing candidates for the police chief vacancy in December.
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
