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Editor’s note: New Roanoke Rapids police Chief Lawrence Wiggins, who is expected to come onboard in March, answered the following questions in response to a request by rrspin.com. The website is using the Q&A format to preserve the way the questions were submitted to Wiggins, who is the current chief of the Allendale Police Department in South Carolina. The Q&A is edited only to conform to certain rrspin.com style guidelines. Due to suspected broad interest in the interview, we have lifted the paywall — Lance Martin.

What inspired you to apply for this position?

I came across the hiring announcement while researching leadership roles throughout the Carolinas. A mentor once told me to be open to opportunities, and when I saw that Roanoke Rapids was hiring, I felt an immediate connection.  My family has historical ties to Halifax and neighboring counties which added personal significance. Professionally, I researched the area and saw a community in transition — one where I could see myself making a meaningful impact as both a leader and a resident.

What is your reaction to being named the new chief of the RRPD?

I am excited about being named the new chief of the RRPD. I love new challenges and moving to a new state with different laws, methods, and ways of approaching the career excites me. I am as eager to learn as I am to lead and give insights I have learned over my career.

What can your officers and the public expect to see during your administration? What will your emphasis be?

I intend to be visible to the officers and the public. It is cliché to say, I intend to build trust with the community; however, I fully intend to show the Roanoke Rapids community that my heart is for the people and I am committed to demonstrating this through action. 

Knowing that you did significant research on Roanoke Rapids in what ways are Roanoke Rapids and Allendale similar in your estimation and how are they different? 

The two communities are similar in that both communities have had to find ways to reinvent themselves following the collapse of local industry. However, Roanoke Rapids has had the advantage of I-95, which has sustained economic activity in the community. From a law enforcement perspective, both communities likely face challenges relative to their economic position which can affect a variety of areas.  Despite these challenges, Roanoke Rapids’ is in a strong position to continue to build on modern policing strategies. 

What experiences and programs from Allendale will you bring to Roanoke Rapids?

The program that comes to mind is accreditation.  In my current role, we have taken the steps to openly pursue South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation. RRPD has taken steps to do the same with the North Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation.  Accreditation is a signal to the community that the organization is operating with highest standards for law enforcement throughout the state.  It is a milestone that the community could be proud of once achieved. 

Who have been your biggest influences in your law enforcement career? 

I have been fortunate to learn from many great mentors, each shaping different aspects of my law enforcement career. It was Maurice Ransom, SFC (Retired), who told me a good investigator is persistent. I have carried that statement with me throughout my career. Eric Abdullah, chief deputy, Aiken County Sheriff’s Office (South Carolina), was a resounding example of professionalism and commitment to high standards. Chief Richard Johnson, formerly of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and Captain Shaun Harley, SLED, played pivotal roles in my professional growth while at SLED. Finally, as a chief, Sheriff Tom Carter (Retired); Chief Marvin Williams, Fairfax Police Department; Chief Charles Austin, Orangeburg Department of Public Safety; and J.J. Jones, executive director SC Chief’s Association. Everyone I mentioned has impacted me in lasting ways during my career for which I am eternally grateful. 

You will be coming into Roanoke Rapids as its first African American chief. Does that hold special meaning for you and what does it mean for the community here?

I understand there is historical significance to my appointment. Representation in any field is always important to those who may feel underrepresented. I feel a responsibility to succeed — not just for myself, but for those who may follow.  When it comes to law enforcement, I expect the officers to be courteous, firm, fair, and empathetic, when necessary, regardless of social, economic, race, or any other status.

Through your interview process and what you’ve gained from your research, what do you believe are the RRPD’s biggest needs as you begin your duties and how will you address them? What do you see as its strengths?

I am not in a position to say what RRPD’s biggest needs are at the moment; however, once I am sworn in, and have had an opportunity to review internal systems, I can then articulate what is necessary to continue to move the agency forward. 

Based on the initial press release announcing you had been hired, family is obviously important to you as are recreational opportunities. How has your family inspired you in your career and how will you use recreation in your efforts as chief?

My family has inspired me primarily in that I pursue public safety as if my family is living in whatever area I am working in. I want to ensure that I provide the same level of care and attention regardless — if I am uptown or downtown. Concerning recreation, I do believe that children should be as active as possible. From what I can see, recreation does not seem to be an issue in Roanoke Rapids. I am an advocate for children’s wellness, and I will do my best to support recreational activities in the city.

What is your philosophy on law enforcement?

A couple of pillars to my personal philosophy on law enforcement are as follows. This is a summation and not a detailed breakdown. First, I believe every officer should approach law enforcement with the mindset of a guardian. We wear many hats and must ebb and flow between various situations which require various skills. Next, and as equally important, Chief J.P. Strom, SLED (Retired), stated, “Make sure a person is guilty before you affect his reputation, his freedom, or his pocketbook. Make sure that you always assure yourself that you are the fairest juror a suspect will ever have. Remember, you do not make the facts, you discover and report them.” 

What is your process and how do you evaluate promotions within the department?

To my knowledge, the RRPD has had an overhaul of its policies and procedures in anticipation of pursuing NCLEA Accreditation. Inherent in accreditation standards are requirements to mitigate bias and the lack of fairness. Currently, I am not in position to say what the current process is; however, I am confident that through the recent changes the RRPD has a procedure for promotions that would stand up to scrutiny.

What have been some of your biggest accomplishments in your law enforcement career?

Most success in law enforcement is accomplished as a team. I have worked with some amazing teams in my career and done some amazing things.  The most important things are the lives I have impacted, the families my teams have been able to get justice for, and the families who are still seeking justice for their loved ones. I have plenty of awards and certificates; however, these are the things I think about the most with respect to my career.