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MORRISVILLE'S NEW CHIEF

Stirring the Fire, Leading the Team

NEW MORRISVILLE POLICE CHIEF FINDS HIS PASSION IN SERVING COMMUNITY

By KAREN KHOURY

Pete Acosta now is at the helm of the Town of Morrisville Police Department, and the accolades about him poured in: “Compassionate. Humble. Caring. Sincere. Ethical. Inspiring. True. A natural leader.”

These are just some of the adjectives that colleagues used to describe the new Chief of Police at his recent swearing in ceremony at Town Hall. Speaking with him, he comes across as unassuming and humble; approachable, yet commanding; and focused – and very excited for Morrisville to have “a new day” and looks forward to “stirring the fire and leading his team to be extraordinary.”

When asked about his greatest sole accomplishment, his response was a simple “nothing”, adding that he is a “1,000 piece

jigsaw puzzle with a lifetime of people that made the man standing here today.” And he stressed that he is dedicated to bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community – and is interested to hear what the residents’ concerns and needs are.

Acosta began working with the Morrisville Police Department in 2008 – serving as an Operations Lieutenant, Support Services Captain, Operations Captain and now Chief of Police. This could have been the sunset of his career; but, instead, he stressed his eagerness to step-up to the challenge.

“My career has been very unique,” he explained. “I have had the opportunity to experience many different aspects of law enforcement, which has allowed me to have a 360-degree perspective. With those experiences, my AOMP Training (NC State University), School of Government Fellows Program and FBI Trilogy Program has also provided me with the knowledge and skills required to be an effective Chief of Police.”

Acosta noted that he had humble beginnings growing up. “Living in a violent and unpredictable home as a child, my older brother Dr. Michael Acosta was always there for me and still is,” the new MPD Chief explained, noting that he has modeled resiliency, adaptivity and unconditional love. “I’ve raised four amazing children (who) provided me a clear illustration of what a Dad should look like.” Acosta said, noting that his son, Cody – a college sophomore and baseball athlete – plans to follow in his footsteps into a law enforcement career.

“And through coaching baseball, I quickly learned how to use my platform as a conduit to teach resiliency, respect, work ethic and teamwork. There are few things better than seeing a young person grow from the seed you planted. As I grew into a leader in law enforcement, I learned to use the same skills teaching police officers and watching them share the same excitement in law enforcement as I do. “

The new Morrisville Chief decided early on to use his negative childhood experiences to elevate and lead others. “When I was a senior in high school, I made the decision that I wanted to serve in a way that helped protect those who may not be able to protect themselves,” he said. “In 1994 I began the It is vital to the sustainability of the Morrisville Police Department and the relationship with Town residents that we grow a department where officers seek to make a career here.

CHIEF PETE ACOSTA Town of Morrisville Police Department

police academy (BLET) at Guildford Technical Community College. In 1995, I started my career with the Haw River Police Department where I began to find passion in serving in this capacity. Now I can lead others in a way that they can see the value in empathy toward others.”

Acosta’s philosophy regarding police/community relationships is that it takes time. “It has to be mutual and have equal investment. My predecessor, Chief Patrice Andrews, fostered this relationship and created a culture of inclusivity and community

CHIEF PETE ACOSTA

FULL NAME: Pete Acosta AGE: 48 years old POSITION: Chief of Police, Town of Morrisville

PREVIOUS POSITION:

Police Captain, Town of Morrisville EDUCATION: outhern Alamance High School, 1992 graduate, Bachelors Degree, Western Carolina University; Administrative Officers Management Program (AOMP), North Carolina State University; UNC School of Government Fellows Program, FBI Trilogy Program HOMETOWN: Burlington, NC AFFILIATIONS: International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police (NCACP), North Carolina Police Executives Association INTERESTS: Youth baseball coach (26 years) In 1995, I started my career with the Haw River Police Department where I began to find passion in serving in this capacity. Now I can lead others in a way that they can see the value in empathy toward others.

CHIEF PETE ACOSTA Town of Morrisville Police Department

relationships,” he stressed. “I too share those same values as Chief Andrews – and I intend on continuing to seek opportunities to enhance this valuable relationship between the Morrisville Police Department and our community members.”

Acosta’s initial priorities will be “Extraordinary service…This encompasses taking care of our officer’s physical and mental health; offering training opportunities that enhance direct service to our residents and visitors; and consistently seeking new opportunities for growth through innovation.”

One initiative that Acosta will give priority is Recruiting and Retention. “It is vital to the sustainability of the Morrisville Police Department and the relationship with Town residents that we grow a department where officers seek to make a career here,” he said. “The longer officers remain a part of the Morrisville Police Department, the more of an investment they have as to the success of the outcomes. Police staff must know and understand the importance in everything we do and have input as a stakeholder in order to value how we move forward in growth.”

Another priority is developing a program to support the physical and mental health of MPD officers and residents in crisis. Acosta has a goal to be an active listener and is dedicated to create a collaborative environment between his team and the community. And he plans to open the department’s Citizen Survey to obtain feedback and input all year long.

“This will offer opportunities for more participation and allow the department to receive feedback in real time; which, in turn, allows us to make necessary adjustments earlier rather than later,” Acosta said.

Karen Khoury is a regular contributor to 919 Magazine.

A NEW POLICE LEADER

MORRISVILLE Morrisville Town Manager Martha Paige has CHOOSES selected Pete Acosta to fill the permanent

PETE ACOSTA role as the Town’s Police Chief, following a AS PERMANENT three-month period as interim chief.

DEPARTMENT CHIEF Employed by the Morrisville Police Department since October 2018, Chief Acosta has more than 26 years of experience in law enforcement. Formerly a police captain with the department, he has been interim chief since Oct. 22 last year. “Chief Acosta demonstrates the heart of leadership through his connection to our community and support for our officers every day,” said Paige. “He also brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position. He will continue to be a leader and strong advocate for public safety in Morrisville.” While serving with the Town of Morrisville, Chief Acosta has led the department to a successful transition to Advanced Accreditation – which strengthens nationally recognized best practices in law enforcement. He also developed a sustainability program that includes a Firstline Supervisor Training Program ,as well as a training program that offers role diversity. “I am so honored to serve the Town of Morrisville residents and visitors as the chief of police,” said Acosta, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University. “I look forward to continuing the much-valued partnership between the community and the police department.” His professional training includes the Administrative Officers

Management Program through NC State University and the UNC

School of Government Fellows Program. Acosta officially began his new role on Feb. 1.

I am so honored to serve the Town of Morrisville residents and visitors as the chief of police. I look forward to continuing the much-valued partnership between the community and the police department.

PETE ACOSTA

Morrisville Chief of Police Morrisville Chief of Police Pete Acosta

MORRISVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

CHIEF: Pete Acosta STATION: 260C Town Hall Dr ADMIN HOURS: 8 am-5 pm, Mon-Fri EMERGENCY: 911 NON-EMERGENCY: 919-469-4012 MISSION: ‘We, the members of the Morrisville Police Department, are committed to the improvement of the quality of life for the Town of Morrisville by working in partnership with our citizens. We will strive to maintain safe and secure neighborhoods for all of our stakeholders. This will be accomplished through the delivery of professional law enforcement services and recognizing the need to treat all citizens with respect and dignity.’ VISION: The Morrisville Police Department is dedicated to achieving and maintaining national law enforcement accreditation. Our Core Values (courage, integrity & professionalism) will continue to serve as our foundation for providing excellence in police services. As the Town of Morrisville grows, we will continue to strengthen our partnership with the community by enhancing the quality of life for all. CORE VALUES: Courage, Integrity, Professionalism ACCREDITATION: In April 2016, the Morrisville Police Department was re-accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Initial accreditation status was received in November 2009. Accreditation is a process in which a law enforcement agency voluntarily complies to over 400 professional standards defined by the Commission. The standards focus on department policies, and operational procedures such as police training, use of force, emergency preparedness, and accountability.

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