Latest news with #MonroePD
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
Monroe Police chief to retire after 32 years with department
MONROE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Monroe's longtime police chief will soon call it a career, the city announced Tuesday. Chief J. Bryan Gilliard, a Union County native, will retire effective May 1, after 32 years of service. He began his career with the Monroe PD in 1993 as a telecommunicator. He then served in various capacities, rising to the rank of captain in 2007, assistant chief in 2010, interim police chief in 2013, and finally chief in 2014. Judge rejects plea deal for suspect in Belmont man's disappearance City officials say Gilliard has led the department through the following initiatives: Advancing the use of law enforcement technology and community engagement to improve public safety Opening of the Bobby G. Kilgore Law Enforcement Center in 2023 Earning national accreditation and re-accreditation(s) from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Incorporated (CALEA) since 2007 Advocated for improvements in officer protective equipment and a modernized vehicle fleet 'Serving this City has been the greatest honor of my life,' he said in a statement. 'I am incredibly grateful to the men and women of the Monroe Police Department I've had the pleasure of serving alongside, and I look forward to their continued success for years to come. I want to thank everyone who supported me and this department for their confidence, trust, and encouragement as we provide essential security and protection for all our residents and visitors. I appreciate the support of the citizens of Monroe and their dedication to making Monroe a special place.' Gilliard earned his bachelor's degree from UNC Charlotte, his master's degree from Pfeiffer University, and the Municipal and County Administration course at UNC-Chapel Hill in 2016. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2009 and completed the FBI Leadership Development Program in 2017. 'Chief Gilliard has selflessly served his department, his City, and his community with honor, courage, and dedication over the last 32 years,' said City Manager Mark Watson. 'We thank him for his service and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.' Chief Gilliard has served on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Chiefs of Police Association and the North Carolina FBI National Academy Association. He has served as a board member for United Way, American Red Cross, Alliance for Children, Monroe Rotary Club, and Hospice of Union County. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
Crime lab now tests for drugs in blood of suspected impaired drivers
The Union County Sheriff's Office says its crime lab has already cleared a backlog for certain DWI cases, which has an impact felt across the region. READ MORE: Union County crime lab's crucial role in putting criminals behind bars quicker The Union County Crime Lab can now test for drugs in the blood of suspected impaired drivers. 'Within the first two, two-and-half weeks, I think we've already analyzed 80 cases that were awaiting analysis for blood drugs,' said Chief Dep. Tony Underwood, Union County Sheriff's Office. MORE COVERAGE: Union County crime lab to help speed up criminal cases The new accreditation at the Union County Sheriff's Office adds to the existing blood alcohol analysis. In 2024, the crime lab analyzed over 240 cases of blood alcohol. The average turnaround time for results was five days. Underwood said in the past, results from the state crime lab could take months. 'We have seen alleged offenders who've been arrested and pending in the court system that we have arrested again for a similar offense,' Underwood said. Union County District Attorney Trey Robison says they've seen an uptick in drivers impaired by drugs over the past few years. It's good to have local experts, he said. 'It has helped us move cases to disposition quicker,' Robison said. Underwood said, 'We've opened it up to other agencies in the county, Monroe PD, Waxhaw, Stalling, some of the other agencies, Marshall and Wingate, they've sent their cases here.' The crime lab currently has two full-time staff members. With the additional work on the new accreditations, the sheriff's office is asking the county to fund the hiring of two additional chemists in the upcoming budget process. In 2023, the crime lab was also accredited for fingerprint comparisons. In addition to the drug blood testing, personnel can also analyze drugs seized by law enforcement. The sheriff's office says the next step is to look into possible rapid DNA technology. VIDEO: INSIDE LOOK: Union County crime lab's crucial role in putting criminals behind bars quicker
