Following an extensive nationwide search, City Manager Lloyd Payne selected Interim Chief of Police Jimmy Hughes to lead the Concord Police Department as the new Chief of Police, effective Monday, January 29. Hughes is a proven leader with a passion for service and commitment to strengthening community relationships. He brings over two decades of progressive law enforcement experience to the position where he will lead a team of over 200 sworn officers and 30 professional staff.
“I am thrilled to welcome Jimmy as the next Police Chief for the city,” said Payne. “He has excelled in his service to our community for more than 25 years, including in the role of Interim Chief over the last several months. His years of experience with our Police Department coupled with his expansive knowledge will greatly benefit the City and Team Concord.”
Hughes first joined the Concord Police Department in 1998 as a patrol officer. Throughout his distinguished service, he held various positions with increasing leadership responsibilities. He was promoted to sergeant in 2004 and served in the Patrol Bureau, Special Investigations Division, and Criminal Investigations Division. He is an original SWAT team member and served as SWAT Commander. In 2013, he was promoted to captain and served as the commander of Charlie Patrol District and the Office of Management & Planning. In 2017, he was promoted to Major and served as the Patrol Bureau Commander until he was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police in 2019. He has served as Interim Police Chief since October 1, 2023.
“I am deeply humbled and grateful for the trust and support of our community, City Council, and city management. It is truly an honor to be selected to serve as Concord’s new Police Chief,” said Hughes. “We have an incredibly dedicated team of hardworking and compassionate men and women at the Concord Police Department. I am proud of the strong foundation of community trust we have built together, and I look forward to continuing our joint mission of maintaining this trust while achieving the highest standards of public safety and creating safe places for families and businesses to thrive.”
Throughout his career, Hughes has worked to develop partnerships and build relationships that connect the community with the work of the Concord Police Department. He lives by the golden rule of treating others the way you want to be treated, and generously gives of his time in support of his fellow law enforcement officers and the community.
In 2020, Hughes received the prestigious Robert J. Eury Memorial Award in recognition for his community collaboration, generosity, and selfless dedication to serving and protecting others. The award is Cabarrus County’s highest honor for law enforcement. He is also a recipient of the Concord Police Department’s Meritorious Conduct Award, 2008 Officer of the Year, and Chief’s Superior Leadership Award.
Hughes lives in Cabarrus County with his wife, Heather, and they have five children. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management/Finance from Pfeiffer University and received a Master of Public Safety from the University of Virginia. He is a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum - Senior Management Institute for Police - Session 67 and the FBI National Academy, Session 283.