Southern Pines Announces Interim Police Chief

As of Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Southern Pines Town Manager Reagan Parsons today tapped Robert Temme, the police department's community services coordinator, to be the interim police chief.

Margaret and Bob Temme

Temme replaces outgoing chief John Letteney, whose last day is Friday. He has accepted a new job as police chief in Apex.

Temme, who also serves as the department's accreditation manager, will begin Dec. 17. Temme brings to the position a wealth of both pertinent and varied background and experience. He holds a Criminal Justice Degree from Nassau Community College in New York, a Bachelor’s of Science from Empire State College in New York, and a Masters in Business Administration from Dowling College. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico Virginia, a member of Class #190 in 1997. Prior to arriving in Southern Pines in 2009, Bob worked for the State of North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice after serving as Chair of the Department of Aeronautical Science as a Professor for Homeland Security at the State University of New York (SUNY) Farmingdale and currently serves as an adjunct faculty member. He retired as a lieutenant after a 22 year career with the Stamford Connecticut Police Department in 2004.

“Bob has a wealth of police experience and has demonstrated his ability to focus on community needs, bringing together police and community resources to solve problems.," Letteney said. "He is dedicated to Southern Pines and has the leadership skills necessary to serve in this capacity and ensure a smooth transition."

Parsons expects to select a new chief by April. A search process is underway.

See more details in Wednesday's edition of The Pilot.

More like this story

coffecreme 5 months, 1 week ago

Hire outside the department and outside the county

thewife 5 months, 1 week ago

No, hire within. Unless you work there or are married to one of the officers, you should not be allowed to comment on this matter.

FightFireWithFire 5 months, 1 week ago

Actually, I agree that we need some new blood and new ideas in our LE community.

JD 5 months, 1 week ago

Congrats Bob.

herecomesthescience 5 months, 1 week ago

Ahhh, attention "thewife". The public has every right to comment on who runs our police force, it effects every one of the citizens of Southern Pines and the area. Pretty silly comment.

fugitiveguy 5 months, 1 week ago

Yes, but can he throw a nightstick like TJ Hooker?

davidcouper 5 months, 1 week ago

Learn how to evaluate your police department. Follow my blog at http:improvingpolice.wordpress.com

fugitiveguy 5 months, 1 week ago

Has MC7 been on here lately, anybody know of her wellbeing. Lately another poster has me missing the heck out of her.

fugitiveguy 5 months, 1 week ago

Peter B. Clifford, best police chief ever.

surrogate 5 months, 1 week ago

I hope the town looks outside since I will be applying for the position. Sometimes a fresh face from outside of the agency, the county, and the community is a very good thing. And if I am hired, my wife won't be in the picture.

surrogate 5 months, 1 week ago

Hey southerpinesupperwestside:

I now stand fully warned of the preferences you desire in the next police chief. I am none of the things or an advocate for any of the concerns you have. I am just going to be one of many applicants for the position and someone that has the credentials to be seriously considered I hope. My application is fuled by a desire to do the right thing and an allure for the Souhtern Pines area. I will be glad to give you my generic background information in confidence, if you provide a means for me to do. I am one of the good guys; not a good ole boy or insider.

Toda 5 months, 1 week ago

How refreshing to have a law enforcement officer with such a storied career. One with an educational background that supports his qualifications to write budgets, interpret law, and make educated judgement calls.

He would make a great candidate for Sheriff. Our county needs a Sheriff with more than a high school education or a stint with the highway patrol. Now highway patrol officers have a greater body of knowledge through a university education.

It is time for advancement in the ranks of law enforcement to pivot on higher levels of education, and not dependent on junior colleges or BLET. Business disciplines provide better insight into budgets and cost effectiveness.

JD 5 months, 1 week ago

Bob Temme is one of the few upstanding officers that work in the area. Happy to have him aboard. I would take one of him over ten of the young bullies that hide behind their badges.

fugitiveguy 5 months, 1 week ago

SP-tell us how it is that you became so bitter and spiteful. I bet you are a joy to be around.

Toda 5 months, 1 week ago

SPSWS => Probably because attorneys may need some flexibility from one of those officers at some point in time. A hearing takes less time off the money clock when dealing with a "friend" who wears a uniform than an adversary. Go out of town where attorney's don't have to try or negotiate for a charger "curve"....

Albeit, throw enough pictures of deceased presidents their way, and they might take your case ... but don't expect a trial - that would be asking way too much of them.

Toda 5 months, 1 week ago

It may be presumptuous on my part to contend that too many local LE's watch to much COPs on TV. For some it may be the Bold and the Beautiful, or at least they think in those fashionable ways. They are way to eager to take someone to the ground or search a car. They act like Poorer County is Detroit or LA where gangs of ruffians roam the streets.

Or are the public oblivious to the actual crime rate in this county. One can understand why Pinehurst would want to stay below the reporting radar with the Open coming once again.

BTW: No tickets here ... or warranted stops.

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