Lamb Becomes Next Police Chief - TribPapers
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Lamb Becomes Next Police Chief

Chief Mike Lamb. Photo courtesy of the City of Asheville

Asheville – After the City of Asheville has hired police chiefs from outside the area for the past several times, Asheville City Manager Debra Campbell announced the permanent appointment of Mike Lamb as the Police Chief, following his commendable tenure as Interim Police Chief since December 2023. With over 26 years of dedicated service to the Asheville community, Chief Lamb’s ascent through the ranks from patrol officer to Deputy Chief in June 2023 underscores his unwavering commitment and leadership prowess within the department.

City Manager Campbell lauds Chief Lamb’s exemplary track record, both in terms of internal leadership and community engagement. She emphasizes his genuine dedication to public service, stating, “In the course of his career, Chief Lamb has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership internally and a sincere commitment to working with the community. He is a public servant in the truest sense.” Campbell expresses her gratitude for Chief Lamb’s willingness to assume the interim role and her confidence in his ability to uphold the department’s standards of professionalism and service excellence.

Chief Lamb, in accepting his new role, expresses humility and gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving his lifelong community. He acknowledges the dedication of the department’s personnel and highlights the importance of cultivating strong bonds with the community.

“I’m humbled to serve my lifelong community as the newly named Chief of the Asheville Police Department,” Lamb remarks. “Throughout my 26 years of service, I’ve cherished the opportunity to cultivate strong bonds within our community. Together, we continue the momentum to serve our community effectively and our commitment to fostering safety and prosperity in Asheville.”

Promoting from within a department offers a multitude of positive attributes that can enhance organizational cohesion, morale, and overall effectiveness.

Firstly, individuals who have risen through the ranks within the department have an intimate understanding of its culture, values, and operational intricacies. This insider perspective enables them to seamlessly transition into leadership roles, leveraging their institutional knowledge to navigate challenges and drive positive change.

Moreover, promoting from within fosters a sense of loyalty and commitment among employees, as they witness firsthand the opportunities for advancement and recognition based on merit and dedication. This practice also promotes continuity and stability within the organization, as experienced personnel assume leadership positions, ensuring a smooth transition and minimizing disruptions to workflow.

Additionally, promoting from within nurtures a culture of development and growth, motivating employees to continually strive for excellence and invest in their professional development to advance within the organization. Overall, promoting from within not only cultivates a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork but also fosters a dynamic and resilient organizational culture poised for long-term success.

Amidst Chief Lamb’s appointment, Asheville City’s police department has grappled with challenges in officer retention and leadership stability. The city has witnessed a notable turnover rate among law enforcement personnel, attributed to factors such as low morale, resource constraints, and a perceived lack of support from city officials. Additionally, Asheville has experienced frequent changes in police chiefs, exacerbating departmental instability and undermining efforts to address underlying issues.

Despite these challenges, Lamb’s appointment brings hope for greater strength and continuity within the Asheville Police Department. His extensive experience and demonstrated leadership qualities position him well to address the department’s challenges, foster a positive organizational culture, and rebuild trust and confidence within the community. As Asheville continues its efforts to reinforce its law enforcement agency, Chief Lamb’s leadership will be instrumental in navigating the path toward a safer and more prosperous future for the city and its residents.