The Town of Duck Police Chief Jeffrey Ackerman will retire effective April 1, 2027, following 29 years in law enforcement, including nearly 24 years with the Duck Police Department. His last day with the town will be March 31, 2027.
Appointed police chief in August 2020, Ackerman has worked to advance community-based policing, increase transparency and strengthen the department’s operations, including its approach to officer wellness and professional development.
“Serving the Town of Duck and working alongside the officers and staff of the Duck Police Department has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” Ackerman said. “Over the years, we have worked together to strengthen our department, build relationships throughout the community, and ensure our officers have the training, resources and support they need to serve effectively. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am grateful to the Town Council, town administration, my fellow officers and staff, and the Duck community for their trust and support. I will retire with tremendous pride in this department and confidence in its continued success.”
Ackerman began his law enforcement career with the Nags Head Police Department in 1998 and later served with the Dare County Sheriff’s Office. He joined the Duck Police Department in 2003, advancing through the ranks of sergeant and lieutenant before serving as interim chief and being appointed chief in August 2020.
During his tenure, Ackerman established an officer mental health and wellness program in partnership with a community-based clinician. He also worked with the Town Council to add two patrol officer positions to enhance officer safety and a dedicated investigator position to strengthen criminal case management from the initial report through case closure or prosecution. Beyond his work in Duck, Ackerman served on the executive board of the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police.
As Ackerman prepares to retire, the Town is beginning the process of selecting the department’s next leader. The Town has partnered with Developmental Associates, a firm specializing in executive recruitment and assessment for local governments and public safety organizations, to guide the search. The firm previously worked with the Town to recruit and select Town Manager Drew Havens.
“Selecting our next police chief is an important decision, and we are committed to approaching this process in a thoughtful, intentional and thorough manner,” Havens said. “We recognize the importance of finding a leader who not only has the experience and qualifications necessary for the position, but also understands our community, shares our values and can build upon the strong foundation of our Police Department.”
Developmental Associates will guide a competitive recruitment process to identify candidates with the professional experience, leadership skills and community-focused perspective needed to lead the department. The Town is seeking a police chief who will build on the department’s existing strengths, support its officers and staff, and continue to prioritize public safety and strong relationships with the community.
As part of the recruitment process, the Town is inviting residents and community members to complete an online survey and share their perspectives on the qualities, qualifications and priorities they believe are most important in the next police chief. Responses will help inform the search by providing insight into community expectations and the leadership qualities residents value most. Public input is an important opportunity for community members to contribute to this leadership transition.
The survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RLPRW77 through Oct. 30, 2026.
The Town of Duck thanks Chief Ackerman for his many years of service. His leadership, commitment to officer wellness, and focus on community relationships have helped shape the department and its approach to public safety. As the Town begins the search for his successor, it remains committed to building on that foundation and finding a leader who will continue to serve Duck’s residents with professionalism and care.
