Integrity The Main Focus For Newly Appointed Livingston Police Chief

Integrity. That is the focus of newly appointed Livingston Police Chief Ray Smith.

Smith was selected by the Board of Aldermen last week to permanently serve as chief after a short period as the interim. Smith said the department has implemented new policies and procedures.

“I know it has been a great process and a long process,” Smith said. “I do appreciate our Board of Aldermen, Mayor and the citizens out there that helped us walk through the process that we have. I believe our city and our department is in a forward motion and that is the motion that we want to continue in.”

Smith replaces previous police chief Greg Etheredge who resigned following a missing money scandal in the department’s evidence room. Smith said the main goal moving forward for him is rebuilding the department’s staff while also getting the community involve.

“I want the community to know we are here for them,” Smith said. “We’re here to stand for them in times of need, and we’re also here for them in times of sorrow. Somebody that they can trust to call. Integrity. We want to make sure that every time we go out and do our jobs it with integrity.”

Smith said the department is close to where it once was staffing wise. Smith said only a couple of positions remain vacant.

‘We are getting back to the staff that we had previously,” Smith said. “The men and women that have gone through the selection process are very good. Most of them are from our community here that are looking to launch their career in law enforcement.”