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New cold case unit leads to Kinston Police Department selection as the Law Enforcement Agency of the Year

North Carolina Police Executives Association.

The Kinston Police Department has been selected as the Law Enforcement Agency of the Year by the North Carolina Police Executives Association.

NCPEA Immediate Past President James Avens said the agency was chosen because of it’s Cold Case Unit, which was created in 2024.

With only 62 sworn officers, Avens said the Kinston Police Department has implemented a program that rivals efforts found in much larger metropolitan agencies.

He added that their approach is unique, cost-effective, collaborative, and most importantly, it is working.

Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to eastern North Carolina in 2019 to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of kiddo cuddling, reading, and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.