Retired Rocky Mount police chief accepts Edenton interim role

EDENTON — A retired police chief in Rocky Mount has accepted an interim posting as Edenton's top cop.

George Robinson will take over the reins of the Edenton Police Department on Aug. 1, a press release from the town states. Robinson will succeed Chief Henry A. King Jr., whose retirement takes effect at the end of the month.

Robinson retired from the city of Rocky Mount in 2021. In addition to overseeing the Edenton Police Department, Robinson also will assist town officials with their nationwide search for the town's next police chief.

“We are excited to welcome an interim chief with the breadth of knowledge and competency as Mr. Robinson,” Town Manager Corey Gooden said in prepared remarks as part of the press release. “I am confident that his expertise will help us not only locate a new police chief, but continue the trailblazing initiatives of Chief King.”

A town spokesman said Edenton officials expect the search for a new chief to last a couple months "as we narrow down our candidates and move through a comprehensive and thorough process."

Robinson, 54, began his law enforcement career with the city of Rocky Mount in 1992. A 30-year veteran of the department, he worked his way up through the ranks to become police chief. Prior to his retirement in 2021, he managed a department with more than 200 sworn officers and civilian personnel, according to the town of Edenton's press release.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve both the town of Edenton and the Edenton Police Department as the interim police chief,” Robinson said in prepared remarks as part of the release. “We will continue to strive for organizational excellence on a daily basis and ensure that our police department continues to provide service of the highest quality as we search for a permanent chief.”

Robinson holds a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice from Shaw University and is a graduate of the Administrative Officers Management Program from N.C. State University and the Senior Management Institute for Police from Boston University.

Robinson, who lives in Rocky Mount, is also a member of the Police Executive Research Forum, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the North State Law Enforcement Officers Association. He currently serves on the Nash Community College Foundation Board and is a member of the Rocky Mount Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

A town spokesman said Robinson will have a temporary residence in Edenton while he's serving as interim chief. He will be paid $9,307.84 a month, according to Gooden.

King, who had been Edenton police chief since 2018, announced his intention to retire in May.

“It has been an honor to serve the people of Edenton,” King said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that the department will continue to thrive under new leadership. I am grateful for the support of the community, my colleagues and my family throughout my career.”