Dumfries hires new police chief; its second in less than two years

DUMFRIES — James McCarty has been appointed the new police chief in Dumfries.

McCarty was already serving as interim chief after former chief Nicholas Esposito resigned in October after about a year and a half on the job.

McCarty was appointed at the conclusion of final interviews on November 13. Mayor Derrick Wood said candidates were screened over a period of two weeks. The town interviewed three finalists before making their decision.

“I am confident that the new chief will take Dumfries into the next dimension,” said Mayor Derrick Wood.

Wood said McCarty brings over 24 years of experience as a police officer, as well as the support of the community. McCarty has been with the Dumfries police department for one year. Wood said the remainder of his tenure as a police officer was at Caroline County.

“McCarty has the integrity and the know how to bring the department up to the standards the citizens of Dumfries expect,” says Wood.

Wood said the town can expect community policing, public safety and engagement in the community.

“The council stood in unity to make this decision,” says Wood.

Wood said McCarty will not only be able to grow the department but increase retention as well.

“We will continue to be big in the community and big in public relations,” says McCarty.” If you see us in the street, come up and speak to us. My door is always open.”

Wood says Dumfries’ police department patrols the streets 24 hours a day, with two squads that work nights and just as many that work days. The town relied on the Prince William County Police Department to patrol streets during the overnight hours prior to 24-hour staffing.

Wood said Dumfries residents still pay Prince William County taxes and its police department works hand in hand with county’s department but says the county is just a backup resource.

The 2018-19 Dumfries annual salary for the police chief is $80,000.

“I think we’re going to achieve a lot of goals here,” said McCarty.