Today marks a new day in the leadership of the Natchez Police Department.

New Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong took the oath of office Monday and said a number of positive things about the direction the police department needs to be headed.

Armstrong’s law enforcement experience is impressive. He worked for 25 years as a trooper with the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol and most recently was the police chief in Vicksburg for eight years.

Anyone who has ever been pulled over and given a speeding ticket by state trooper knows, they do not typically mess around. They are often stern, but fair.

If Armstrong possesses those traits — and we believe based on what others have said that he does — he will do well in his new role.

The Natchez police have long been a bit of an afterthought in city government. They’re underpaid, undertrained and underappreciated.

Armstrong has vowed to help change that and we wish him the best of luck in doing so.

The Natchez Police Department needs a strong leader who respects the law, abhors crime and loves the men and women of the force. Putting those priorities first will go a long way toward improving both the quality of the Natchez police force as well as reducing crime.

While ultimately, we still believe merging the city and county’s law enforcement agencies into one is the best option, having solid leadership is the next best thing.