NEWS

The Town of Davidson is pleased to announce that Kimber (Kim) Davidson has been named its new Chief of Police. Davidson will replace Police Chief Penny Dunn upon her retirement in January 2023.

The Process

The town conducted a nationwide police chief recruitment process with the assistance of consultant US ISS Agency. The Town of Davidson received interest from 28 applicants. After several rounds of various interviews and vetting exercises conducted by the consultant, four top finalists were selected to participate in an assessment center in November. The assessment center of four separate panels included key stakeholders such as community members, police department staff, and the town’s management team. The candidates were also interviewed and completed exercises during the assessment. Valuable input from all four of the panels was gathered. The top candidate had an opportunity to meet with Chief Dunn and other police department leadership. That same candidate was also able to meet and speak with several of our elected officials.

At this point, the town has completed its due diligence tasks and is happy to announce that Kimber (Kim) Davidson has been named our new Chief of Police. 

Background on the New Chief

Kimber (Kim) Davidson is returning to his former home of North Carolina after many years. Kim has an impressive career in public service spanning several decades. His law enforcement service began at the local level when he served as a police officer in Maryland and the Raleigh, NC Police Department. He then moved into a role with the U.S. State Department, serving in multiple capacities and assignments as a Federal LE Agent in the Diplomatic Security Service. Those assignments included working multiple roles as an investigator, supervisor, and department leader in the U.S. as well as in several foreign countries, including opening the American Embassy in Afghanistan where he was responsible for protecting the President of Afghanistan. Some of his assignments included collaborations with state and local law enforcement for serious and violent crimes. He rose through the ranks and retired from the State Department in 2019 but was recalled for active duty in 2021 to serve on a Congressionally mandated Accountability Review Board for a special investigation related to the murder of a U.S. government employee in Mexico. After retiring from the State Department, he returned to his roots in local, uniformed law enforcement. He completed training as an Auxiliary Police Officer in Fairfax County, Virginia where he refreshed his experience, did additional training, and learned the new challenges and complexities facing police officers today. He served as an auxiliary police officer supporting the objectives and mission of the patrol and administrative divisions.

Kim has always wanted to serve as a small-town Police Chief one day and sought a return to North Carolina for that purpose.

“Given his unique and extensive experience in law enforcement, department and crisis management, and leadership and consensus building, Kim Davidson will thrive as Davidson’s next Chief of Police,” said Town Manager Jamie Justice.  “His expertise and skills will work in tandem with his demonstrated interest in the Davidson community to help take the police department to the next level.”

“It’s clear Davidson is a very special place,” notes incoming Chief Davidson. “I look forward to joining the Davidson Police Department and working with to the men and women of the department to ensure a safe and secure environment for the residents, business owners and visitors contributing to the highest quality of life for this vibrant community.”

Kim Davidson will start in his new role on January 30, 2023. The town will make sure there are opportunities for the community to meet the new chief during the first few months of his tenure. More details will also be shared in the new year regarding celebration plans for Chief Dunn’s retirement. Please stay tuned.