Neely attends first Miller BOA meeting

Levi Neely, Miller’s new interim chief of police formally introduced himself at the Miller Board of Aldermen meeting on Thursday, Sept. 13. In his introduction, Neely thanked the city for his appointment as chief. He said he had received many positive comments about the department, and pledged to uphold the level of service he said his job requires.
“I want the community of Miller to know that I am here to fulfill my duties as police chief, to help make the PD better by protecting and serving and doing what’s right instead of what’s wrong,” he said.
Neely also said being a police officer is more than “simply investigating crime.”
“It’s providing counseling to families in distress, and it’s getting someone suffering from mental illness medical attention, working out a civil dispute between neighbors, and working with youth in various after school programs. We require officers not only to be experts in law enforcement, but to also have many of the same skills as a trained psychologist, a lawyer, and … (a) community organizer. We realize there are some things that need to be done that aren’t always easy to do. Sometimes the work is not very pleasant, but we come to work every day. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We always try to treat people fairly, (and) with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Neely also stated that he intended to continue to provide that level of service to the community and stated community input would be vital to his success as chief.
“I need your help,” he said. “No chief of police can be successful without the input of the officers and staff members at every level of the agency and the community. I want to hear your ideas, and I want you to be a part of the decision-making process in the years ahead as we identify future leaders of the Miller Police Department.”
Neely officially became interim chief of the Miller Police Department on Sept. 3. Prior to coming to Miller, he was the chief of the Verona Police Department.