Bridgeton, Plymouth swear in new police chiefs

PLYMOUTH, N.C. (WNCT) — In both Bridgeton and Plymouth, the new chiefs have a lot to say about their goals for the position and the legacy they hope to leave.

Chief Katie Johnson joined Bridgeton’s Police Department back in 2012. As Craven County’s first female police chief, she says she hopes to inspire others.

“If I can get another female to say, if she can do it, heck yeah let’s do this! That’s goal number one,” says Johnson.

She says the mission stays he same which is community policing, taking care of residents, continuing initiatives like the Christmas Fundraiser and community watch. She hopes to expand to new programs like creating a hygiene program for children and teens who can’t afford them, as well as making the department 24/7.

Plymouth also has a new police chief in Louis Banks who joined the department in 2022 as Chief Detective. At the beginning of July he began his role as Department Chief, stating his first goal is to focus on recruitment. Then, he hopes to expand to community initiatives.

“You always hear about community policing. Taking a community approach is what I want to do. I believe officers need to get out and meet the community,” said Banks.

While Bridgeton swore in Johnson, Plymouth has not.

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