What's Happening in Spartanburg, SC…

The new Chief of the Spartanburg Police Department will be Major Art D. Littlejohn.

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Littlejohn, who oversees the Patrol Services Bureau, the largest division within the department, has also commanded the agency's tactical unit for more than two decades. His appointment followed a nationwide recruitment effort managed by Developmental Associates, LLC. Candidates were assessed by a 10-member panel of public-sector professionals, including seven sitting police chiefs, through a comprehensive series of interviews, evaluations and screening exercises before recommendations were forwarded to the City Manager.

Littlejohn was a patrol officer in 1988 when he started in the Spartanburg Police Department. He has had many roles since then, including an officer in the Housing Authority Division, a crime prevention and community relations officer, Community Oriented Policing Coordinator, and Crime Prevention Sergeant. His promotion to Captain was 2009 and six later he was promoted to Major.

As he takes on the role, Littlejohn said his immediate focus will be on hearing directly from employees and residents. His plans include meeting with each department member within 30 days and initiating broader engagement with leaders from community, business, neighborhood, and faith-based organizations citywide. He will take a proactive approach to building the success of the department.

No date has yet been set for his swearing in ceremony.