Jeffrey Smythe was selected to succeed Michael Williams as the Burlington Chief of Police today. He will be sworn into the position May 1.
Smythe has ample experience in the field of law enforcement. He has served as the Chief of Police in Show Low, Ariz. since 2008. He has also served in the Arizona State University and the Scottsdale, Ariz. Police Departments.
Prior to joining the police force, Smythe earned a bachelor’s degree in justice studies from Arizona State University and master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. He successfully completed the Police Staff and Command program at Northwestern University and later graduated from the FBI National Academy.
“I look forward to working with Burlington’s talented police force in making the city one of North Carolina’s safest,” Smythe said in a press release. “My family has roots in North Carolina and I’m excited for the opportunity to plant some of my own here in Burlington.”
Smythe competed against 52 other applicants for the position. Prior to his selection, he completed performance assessments, emotional intelligence testing and several rounds of interviews. Burlington community members and law enforcement officers from across the state ultimately determined him the best man for the job.
“Jeffrey is not only a proven leader in the field of law enforcement, but he is also a man of utmost integrity who possesses the energy and commitment necessary to excel in this demanding position,” said Harold Owen, Burlington city manager, in a press release. “I am confident that Jeffrey’s personality and impressive track record will translate into his success in the role of chief of our highly regarded Burlington Police Department.”