HAMLET — The city is remaining tight-lipped regarding the recent shake-up at the Hamlet Police Department.
City Manager John Terziu confirmed last week that now-former Chief Dennis Brown and Major Hudson Chitwood were no longer employed with the department as of July 23.
The RO sent a public records request on June 24 for "a copy of the written notice of the final decision ...setting forth the specific acts or omissions that are the basis of the dismissal," per the statute regarding the release of personnel records of government employees.
Terziu responded the following day saying: “Due to ongoing internal and external investigations - and in accordance with applicable laws governing personnel matters - the City of Hamlet is limited in what it can disclose at this time.”
However, Terziu did not say what the investigations pertain to.
Terziu again confirmed that Chitwood was no longer employed by the city and said there were “no public records responsive” to the RO’s request.
On July 29, the RO checked with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to see if the agency was looking into the matter.
Public Information Officer Chad Flowers said the SBI had not yet received a formal written request — which is required — to investigate anything related to the Hamlet Police Department.
Detective James Carsto has been appointed interim chief.
“Once the investigations are concluded and all facts have been fully reviewed, the City intends to release a formal statement to ensure transparency with our citizens,” Terziu said. “We respectfully ask for the public’s patience during this process so that all relevant information can be responsibly addressed.”
