BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. -- The new Boynton Beach police chief is slated to start in the next few weeks.
Assistant Chief of Police in Fort Lauderdale, Michael Gregory, was selected as Boynton’s new chief by the city manager last week.
Gregory has 30 years of experience in Fort Lauderdale and said he is ready to step into the new role as chief.
He said he wants to immerse himself in the community and talk to those who count on his office to protect them.
“What their concerns are, what their perceptions of the police department are and what they think we need to do better, and what we are doing right,” said Gregory.
He wants to build trust in the community, after some raised red flags over the selection process for the police chief. People in Boynton felt there was a lack of transparency and communication, Gregory said that is why he wants to include the community more.
"Because that is what it takes to build trust,” he said.
Gregory said he will also look at crime. Currently, overall crime is down in Boynton from 2016 to 2017, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. But violent crime, like murder and rape is up.
“That is something I will want to work with command staff and look at closely,” said Gregory.
Pending contract negations with the city Gregory should start July 9th.