The Town of Carrboro has announced Police Captain Chris Atack its new Police Chief, following the retirement of Walter Horton earlier this year.
“Chris has the right combination of experience and qualities that will make him a successful police chief,” said Town Manager David Andrews in a release. “We have chosen a leader who will continue to make positive progress toward community policing, equal justice, and continuous improvement going forward.”
Horton stepped down earlier in 2021 after a 27-year career in law enforcement. Atack was chosen from a field of 36 applicants, per the release.
“I am humbled, honored and excited with this opportunity,” said Atack. “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 joined the Carrboro Police Department in 1999 and is a graduate of the UNC School of Government Leadership Fellows Program. Additionally, Atack has taught Basic Law Enforcement Training since 2008 at local community colleges including Alamance, Central Carolina and currently at Durham Tech.
“I want to thank Chief Horton for his service to Carrboro,” Andrews said. “In addition to his qualities of leadership and integrity, he has a unique understanding of our community which has served us well for many years.”
Featured image via the Town of Carrboro
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.
Related Stories
‹
Carrboro Police Chief to Retire After 27 YearsAfter 27 years in law enforcement, Carrboro Police Chief Walter Horton has announced that he plans to retire at the end of January. A native of Carrboro, Horton joined the department in 1993 as a member of the patrol division. “My greatest accomplishment has been being true to this department and this community,” Horton said. […]
![]()
Carrboro: Mental Health Fair, Budget Preview, Upcoming EventsCarrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, May 1, discussing town news and events. She discussed a mental health fair happening in Carrboro Friday afternoon. She also previewed the upcoming budget process for the town, which will pick up later in May. She outlined some sidewalk work downtown from earlier in the week, and more.
![]()
Carrboro: Safe Routes To School, Arbor Day, Freight Train BluesCarrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, April 24, discussing town news and events. She talked about the most recent meeting of the town council, which saw a presentation on the Safe Routes to School program, and the town purchasing a parking lot on West Weaver Street. She also previewed some upcoming town events, including Arbor Day festivities, the Freight Train Blues Series, and more.
Police: Additional Charges Filed in Carrboro High School Gunfire IncidentThe Carrboro Police Department announced new charges and suspects in relation to an investigation into gunfire near Carrboro High School earlier in April and a separate criminal violation at the school on March 6. The Carrboro Police originally charged two juveniles in the investigation into the April incident: a 17-year-old Carrboro High student and a […]
![]()
Carrboro: Carrboro Earth Day, Emergency Management Standards, Capital InvestmentsCarrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, April 17, discussing town news and events. She talked about the upcoming Carrboro Earth Day festivities this weekend, which will see the Open Streets closure of weaver street for the afternoon. She also discussed the town adopting the National Incident Management System, a look at the town's capital investments plan, some other upcoming events, and more.
West End Building Company: Creating Alignment by Building Tiny HomesIn a housing market long defined by square footage and scale, a quieter shift is taking shape across Chapel Hill, Durham, and the surrounding Triangle, one that favors simplicity, flexibility, and a more intentional way of living.
Local Municipal Offices to Close for Observance of Good FridayLocal government offices and services around the community will be closed to observe Good Friday on April 3. Here’s a rundown of what residents can expect: Town of Chapel Hill The Town of Chapel Hill’s government offices will be closed Friday, and some facilities will also be closed Easter Sunday, April 5. Residential trash collection […]
Carrburritos Announces Move to Former Elmo's Diner Location in Carr Mill MallCarrburritos, a popular Carrboro burrito restaurant, will take over the space previously occupied by Grata Diner and Elmo's Diner.
UNC Club Brings Solar Energy to TABLE, Saving the Pantry Money and Expanding Food AccessWhile not visible to those passing by, something new decorates the rooftop of TABLE’s downtown Carrboro facility.
‘Mind Your Business’: Local Openings, Closings and Updates in January-March 2026The start of 2026 featured some early closures, openings and plenty of returns to business in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and beyond.
›
