GREENSBORO, N.C. — Greensboro city leaders have named Deputy Chief Brian L. James as the city's new Police Chief.
James was sworn in as the 23rd police chief of Greensboro on Friday.
James will assume his duties as police chief on February 1.
Surrounded by family in a hall packed with community members, city leaders, and well-wishers, James received his badge and pledged to keep the community safe.
"I, Brian L James, do solemnly swear that I would support the constitution of the United States, so help me God," he said as part of the oath administered by City Clerk Angela Lord.
"I stand here today most deeply honored to serve you the citizens of Greensboro and the police department in this new role as your chief of police," he said as he addressed the audience.
“I’m very humbled and honored to be selected as Chief of Police in my home town,” said James. “I look forward to building upon and establishing relationships as we partner to ensure the safety of all members of our community.”
Chief James grew up in Greensboro, attended Page High school and NC A and T University and has been with the Greensboro Police Department for 24 years.
He has a tough job ahead tackling the growing gun violence and residents are hopeful he is the right person to lead the police department.
"I am sure he is familiar with what the whole city is going through," said Carlyn Patterson a grandmother of 8 who lives in Woodmere Park neighborhood where James grew up.
"You used to not hear these guns going off, but now I hear them quite often and that's a big concern, and when you have little kids like this you don't know what's going to happen," she said referring to her 6-month-old grandson whom he was caring for.
Last year the city had a total of 44 homicides, the most murders ever recorded in the city. The new year was also greeted with a triple homicide. Chief James talked briefly about the strategy he plans to implement.
"Oftentimes, people resort to crime because they don't have any other options so we want to talk about things that we can do on the front end, but then we have to talk about the strategies to get those off the streets who have committed to a way of violence," said James.