Atack Named Carrboro Chief

From Staff Reports

Chris Atack will be the new chief of the Carrboro Police Department.

Atack, a captain who is a 22-year veteran of the department, will begin his new position effective Feb. 15th. 

“Chris has the right combination of experience and qualities that will make him a successful police chief,” said Town Manager David Andrews. “We have chosen a leader who will continue to make positive progress toward community policing, equal justice, and continuous improvement going forward.” 

Atack will replace former Chief Walter Horton, who retired at the beginning of the month after 27 years with the department and seven as chief. Atack was selected from a field of 36 applicants in a competitive recruitment process.

“I am humbled, honored and excited with this opportunity,” Atack said. “The year 2020 was a challenge for a number of reasons and laid bare many of the persistent inequities in our country.  Our department has unique opportunities to address, respond and adapt to these realities as we focus on community service, transparency and solution-driven thinking.”

Atack, who joined the department in 1999, has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Guilford College and a master’s degree in justice administration from Methodist University. He is a graduate of the UNC School of Government Leadership Fellows Program and has taught Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) since 2008 at local community colleges including Alamance, Central Carolina and currently at Durham Tech. 

“Thank you to retired Chief Horton and all the other officers and co-workers who have given me opportunities to grow and be challenged,” Atack said.