The town of Elkton is hoping for improvements with its new police chief.

Elkton Mayor Larry Bompiani says the town had three candidates for the new chief of police position.

He says, "We take it to heart that we've picked the right person."

The town council chose Kevin Whitfield, a patrol officer with 14 years of experience in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and Elkton.

Bompiani adds, "We feel like we are continuing on with a great tradition with somebody that respects the people and respects the town."

Whitfield says he will not be wasting any time when it comes to strengthening the department's force.

Last year, former Elkton officer Rob Greer was arrested for allegedly stalking a town woman.

Whitfield has a plan to make sure they are hiring the right people for the job.

He says, "We have implemented steps we feel will better screen applicants for the job."

These steps include deeper background checks and polygraph exams for applicants.

Bompiani says, "Anytime you have a new person take over, they come in with some new ideas to think outside the box."

Whitfield also has extensive experience in criminal investigations, a specialty he hopes to share with fellow officers.

Whitfield says, "Taking the department forward from where we are now into the future, and I am looking forward to good things."

While the town has had specific problems with vandalism, Whitfield says nothing will be overlooked under his watch.

He adds, "We are going to take a pro-active approach to all types of criminal activity in town."

Whitfield is a former firefighter with Rockingham County Fire and Rescue and a former SWAT team member in the Harrisonburg Police Department.