by DAVID HAMILTON

NATCHEZ — The Natchez Police Department officially has its new chief.

The Natchez Board of Aldermen unanimously voted Monday to appoint Walter Armstrong as the city’s top lawman.

Ward 2 Alderman Billie Joe Frazier — the chair of the city’s police committee — welcomed Armstrong following the appointment. Armstrong, who led the Vicksburg Police Department for eight years prior to becoming Natchez chief, swore an oath in front of a crowd of citizens and law enforcement officials

“I can say, Mr. Armstrong, you have a great group of guys you’re going to be working with,” Frazier said.

Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell subsequently gave a vote of confidence.

“He has a track record that is extremely impressive,” Grennell said.  “We are very confident that he’s going to do a great job for the City of Natchez. We are excited.”

Standing alongside his wife, Armstrong then delivered a speech laying out his general plan for the NPD’s future.

Armstrong emphasized a need to focus on recruitment and retention of police officers, which he has called the two biggest issues within the field of law enforcement.

“If we are going to control the streets of Natchez and keep Natchez safe, then we must have officers to do that,” Armstrong said. “We are going to go out and recruit officers, and we are going to make sure that we compensate those officers who come to work here in Natchez with a salary where they don’t have to go out and work two or three part-time jobs.”

Armstrong also voiced his desire to ensure his officers are not only compensated well, but are also given the proper equipment to perform their duties. Specifically, Armstrong wants to implement usage of body cameras, something he did successfully in Vicksburg.

“In today’s society, it is imperative that we be able to capture the moment, because most of what we see on the 6 o’clock news comes off a cell phone, about a 10-second sound byte, of an officer making an arrest, or an officer using some type of force.

“We’re going to make sure that these officers are equipped with the tools that it takes for them to go out and do their job.”

Lastly, Armstrong noted that the department’s success would hinge not only on the officers’ performance, but also the contributions of everyday citizens. In order to solve crimes, Armstrong said, police lean heavily on eyewitness accounts or other types of information from the public.

“As I have said over and over again, we are only as good as the community that we serve,” Armstrong said. “If we are going to have a safe community, then we’ve got to be all in one.”

Armstrong said he aims to establish a rapport with the community so that citizens will feel comfortable approaching police officers and reporting crimes. Armstrong also said his ears are always open to ideas and feedback from community members.

“The way I see it, the citizens are our employer. We work for the citizens,” Armstrong said.

“We’re their (employees), so therefore I want to hear from them. I want to know how we can make the NPD better than what it is today.”

In his closing remarks, Armstrong said he believes the NPD can “come up a notch,” though it will take time.

“We realize that whatever happens will not happen overnight,” Armstrong said. “Whatever position we’re in now, we didn’t get there overnight.

“We’re going to excel and exceed one day at a time.”

After the meeting’s conclusion, a reception was held at the Natchez Convention Center to allow people to meet Armstrong. At the reception, Ward 6 Alderman Dan Dillard said the appointment marked “a big day” for the city and that he is optimistic about the future of the NPD.

Armstrong’s law enforcement career also includes 25 years as a trooper with the Mississippi State Highway Safety Patrol prior to his tenure as Vicksburg police chief. Armstrong has been in law enforcement since he was 23 years old.