Garner Police Chief Joe Binns has announced his retirement with 30 years of creditable service to the Town effective Oct. 1, 2021.
Chief Binns served in a variety of roles in the department over his long career with the Garner Police Department before being selected to serve as the interim chief in 2019 then permanent chief in October 2020. Prior to becoming interim chief, he was assigned as the department’s operations bureau captain with responsibilities over patrol operations, criminal investigations and special operations.
Chief Binns was the first chief to rise up through the ranks to become the top leader of the Police Department.
“I believe the Police Department is in a strong position with many capable leaders who will continue to provide excellent service to our residents,” Chief Binns said. “I have been honored to have been able to serve Garner for over 28 years and am very appreciative of the opportunities I have been given. Unfortunately, I need to focus on some personal health issues but am grateful to have served the Town and its residents over a full career.”
Under Chief Binns’ leadership, the department-wide deployment of NARCAN was instituted to fight the opioid epidemic, saving at least 22 lives since implementation.
The department received its national reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) during Chief Binns' leadership tenure. Chief Binns also expanded the department's leadership structure to prepare for the fast growth and changes Garner is now seeing.
During his tenure, Chief Binns has focused on building internal capacity to meet the growing needs of the Town as well as expanding on programs and relationships that built trust and legitimacy in the community. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Police Department has continued to build on relationships and programs that support community engagement.
“Chief Joe Binns has been an integral part of the leadership team over the last two years,” Town Manager Rodney Dickerson said. “During his year as chief, he valued community relations externally and professional development and officer morale internally. He continued the integrity and professionalism of what was already an outstanding, nationally accredited Police Department, but he also put his own stamp on the department by instituting key policy changes. His common-sense approach, combined with nearly 30 years of experience, served this community well and served me well.”
Town Manager Dickerson expects to name an interim chief soon. A search for Chief Binns’ permanent replacement will begin in the coming weeks.
Courtesy Town of Garner