BAMBERG, S.C. — The Bamberg Police Department swore in Regina Gatling, their first ever African American chief, who also happens to be their first female chief, as well.
Chief Gatling, who is in her 20th year with the department, says hard work and determination is what got her to where she is.
“I didn’t do this to be the first Black female chief. I didn’t do this to be the first female chief. I worked hard because I believe in law enforcement," Gatling said. "I believe in working for my community and I believe in this department. It doesn’t matter that you’re a female, it doesn’t matter that you’re Black. If you put your best foot forward, and you work your hardest, don’t let anybody stop you.”
Assistant Chief Bryan Schuler has worked with Gatling for years.
“She does a great job she looks out for us,” said Schuler. “She does the stuff that she needs to do to show us what we need to do.”
Assistance Chief Schuler says he would like to see Chief Gatling help the department get more resources.
“Highway cameras will help us out a lot of times, and I guess better equipment,” said Schuler. “As the future keeps going, we gotta keep improvising and improving our stuff, too.”
During her time as chief, Gatling says she has some things she would like to see change.
“We’re a small department but just because we are a small department doesn't mean that we shouldn’t have the same equipment, the same training opportunities, the same advancements that some of the larger agencies do,” Gatling said. “I want to see us do more community service work. I feel like it’s important for the community to be able to trust us because you know there is a loss of trust with law enforcement.”
The Bamberg Police department is currently upgrading their evidence room. When completed, it will be climate controlled with expanded storage.