10 to Watch: Salisbury Police Chief
Published 12:00 am Sunday, January 3, 2016
By Shavonne Walker
shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com
In November, Salisbury Police Chief Rory Collins announced to his staff he would retire at the end of December after five years as the city’s law enforcement leader. Collins has served as chief since March 2010 following his appointment by then-City Manager David Treme.
Collins cited job stress as his main reason for stepping down. His leadership of the department within the last year has been condemned by some in the community amidst increasing violence that plagued the city, particularly the West End neighborhood.
Although the city has yet to hire his successor, the post will filled by Capt. Brian Stallings through at least the spring or summer, city officials say.
Stallings, who has been with the Salisbury Police Department since 1996, currently oversees the department’s traffic unit, patrol division, grant research and issuance of ABC, parade and street closure permits. In 2014, he was promoted to his current position as captain. During his time with the Salisbury Police, Stallings has served as a victim’s advocate, investigator, police sergeant and as a lieutenant overseeing the criminal investigations division.
City officials say Stallings will be responsible for oversight of the Salisbury Police Department, to include planning and directing the duties of all police personnel, just as a police chief of any jurisdiction would. He’ll also work with news media as necessary, prepare short-term budgets, and supervise criminal investigations, to name a few.
The city has advertised for the position. Communications Director Linda McElroy said the Human Resources Department has taken the lead on receiving applications, which they expect to begin reviewing by Feb. 26.
“Those applications will be evaluated and narrowed to final candidates for interviews,” she said.
Job title: Salisbury City Police Chief
Age: ?
Address: Rowan County
If you won $1 million in the lottery, what would you do? I would probably donate some, keep a little and invest the rest.
Favorite hobby: Watching crime dramas on television
Who should play you in a movie? Female: Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order), Male: Idris Elba (Luther, British crime drama)
What would you choose for your last meal? BBQ
Who will you watch in 2015? Salisbury City Council
Biggest challenge in 2015: Reducing the crime rate
Biggest hope for 2015: For the citizens of Salisbury to feel safer in their own neighborhood
Reaction to making the list: Very flattered.
