Ipock to Retire From WPD

Whiteville Police Chief Douglas Ipock announced Tuesday that he will retire next year.

“It’s hard,” Ipock told the city council. “You have become my family.”

The Craven County native came to Whiteville in 2019, having worked the rest of his career with the New Bern Police Department. He was officially sworn in the following February, Ipock ushered in a long list of changes for WPD.

In addition to pushing the city for improved evidence storage and better accountability, Ipock placed emphasis on getting the city CALEA Certified. The national Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement’s major executive associations. Agencies with CALEA certificates must complete a rigorous series of inspections, audits and instruction to be certified.

Ipock is also known for frequently patrolling the city, responding to calls alongside the rank and file of the department.

After a series of assaults and murders in Sandy Ridge Apartments, Ipock became a regular figure in the troubled community. He worked with the district attorney, state ALE agents, city officials and complex management on a series of major improvements at the complex. Sandy Ridge saw a major drop in reported crimes after the changes were made. Ipock often took a shift patrolling the area, especially during the COVID Pandemic when WPD was extremely short staffed.

Ipock also brought back the desk officer position to speed up service for citizens visiting the department.

City Manager Darren Currie noted that Ipock was picked from a field of 20 candidates to replace Jeff Rozier as the WPD chief. He served in virtually every division of the New Bern Police, including narcotics and investigations.

 The chief expects to permanently step down in February, with more than 30 years in law enforcement.