The City of Kinston is looking for its third police chief since 2020, and they may not have to look far.

In October, former Kinston Police Chief Jenee Spencer retired and left a vacancy. Major Keith Goyette was asked to step into the role as interim chief until the position could be filled. City manager Rhonda Barwick has started a nationwide search for Kinston’s next police chief. 

“I’m going to apply for the position of chief of police,” said Goyette. “I feel like now is a good time for me to step up.”

Goyette has worked with the city for over 20 years. He started in 2001 as a patrol officer and worked his way through the ranks of the police department. 

“I’ve worked in pretty much every division in our agency, except animal control and the traffic unit,” said Goyette. “Being with the agency for 21 years, starting from the very bottom as a police officer and rising through the ranks, I have a good feel for what we need from a police officers standpoint.”

He wants to have a culture of leadership and a culture of discipline. Goyette understands it takes more than the chief, it takes the entire department and the city to be successful. 

“Approachable, accessible, and accountable,” said Goyette. “That’s what I tell my officers when I meet them weekly. I’m going to hold you accountable, but I need you to hold me accountable, too. We are all leaders in this organization.”

The Kinston Police Department, as most around the country, has 10 vacancies. Goyette hopes to recruit local talent who would have a vested interest in what happens in the community. 

“Our best strength is our people,” said Goyette. “Kinston is a small knit community and we are very close. We are vested here. What happens in Kinston is very important to us.”

A sense of community is important to the interim chief. He would like to see the police out in the community more. 

“If there is anyone out there that is part of an organization, community watch, or club that wants the Kinston police department to come speak, we want to come,” said Goyette. ”We want to be in the community full time.”