Town of Garner Names Chris Adams as Next Chief of Police

A 26-year veteran of the Garner Police Department and U.S. Marine Corps veteran has been named the department’s next chief of police. 

Chris Adams, who has been serving as interim chief since the retirement of Lorie Smith in late April, will be sworn in as chief later this month.  

He has served as deputy chief in the Police Department since July 2024 and previously served in various other leadership roles for the department including support services captain, patrol lieutenant and several sergeant positions. 

“Chief Adams has the skills, experience and passion to effectively lead the Garner Police Department,” Town Manager Jodi Miller said. “He cares about the staff and the Garner community as demonstrated in his 26 years of service. He is committed to leading the department with a focus on data driven decision-making, officer well-being and strong communication. I look forward to working with Chief Adams as he leads the Police Department.” 

The Town partnered with POLIHIRE, an executive leadership recruitment firm, to conduct a nationwide search for Garner’s next police chief. A total of 66 resumes were received, and 12 candidates were shortlisted. 

Chief Adams, who holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and master’s degree in criminal justice: public administration from Liberty University, emerged as the top candidate after an exhaustive and thorough process. 

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported and encouraged me in my role as interim chief, as well as during the chief selection process,” Chief Adams said. “Ms. Miller, the Town Council, Town staff, Police Department staff, community members, and my family and friends have all played a significant role in my decision to accept the chief of police position, and they will all be integral to our success in making the Garner Police Department one of the best in the country. I am excited to officially get started as the police chief in this wonderful community.” 

Chief Adams points to his family and his service in the U.S. Marine Corps as the main influences that steered him toward a career in law enforcement. His service as a Marine taught values such as honor, courage and commitment, he said, and to be “always faithful” (Semper Fidelis) to a higher cause.  

Chief Adams said he wants the CALEA-accredited Police Department to continue to seek new levels of excellence while demanding accountability “across the board.” 

“My vision is that the Garner Police Department will be the best agency of its size in the country and that Garner will be the safest municipality of its size,” he said. “There is no reason we cannot accomplish those goals. We have excellent officers and professional staff, and we get outstanding support from Town Council, Town management and the community we serve.”  

He said the department will “master our profession through advanced training and education, data driven decision-making as well as formal and informal mentoring processes.” 

Recruitment and retention will be a top priority too, he said, adding that the department will seek to provide the appropriate resources and technology needed for success.  

"We will also focus on the holistic health of our staff,” Chief Adams said. “That starts with ensuring our employees are mentally and physically healthy and that they have everything they need to be safe and resilient in a profession that can be extremely taxing.” 

Chief Adams also intends to focus on excellence in communication and engagement—both internally and externally—and he wants to increase civic engagement opportunities by involving residents, business leaders and other stakeholders in problem solving.  

“We are but a part of the public safety solution,” he emphasized. “It takes everyone to truly make Garner a safe and thriving community.” 

For more information about the Garner Police Department, please visit GarnerPD.org. 

Via Town of Garner