The Hillsborough Police Department has named Jason Winn as its permanent police chief. 

Winn was serving as interim chief since former Chief Duane Hampton retired in March. He will be sworn in on Oct. 13, according to the town.

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Winn began his law enforcement career with the Hillsborough Police Department in 2012 and has since been promoted to sergeant, lieutenant and major. He was selected as chief on Monday by town manager Eric Peterson after a six-month review process. 

"I’ve received a lot of positive feedback about Jason’s impact during his tenure as interim chief,” Peterson said. “There is strong support for the work that he’s done and the direction the department is heading ... Jason and the Hillsborough Police Department team have continued what they’re well known for — active and positive community engagement."

Winn holds a master’s degree in justice administration from Methodist University and a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve in the capacity of chief of police with the Hillsborough Police Department,” Winn said. “Our community places a lot of trust in us, and we are working to increase our outreach and to keep building new relationships. We have been making great progress as an agency, and I look forward to being a part of the great things we want to accomplish.”

Peterson noted Winn has been instrumental in changes the Hillsborough Police Department has made, including improvements in training opportunities and job safety, adjustment to shifts and addressing technology and equipment needs.

WRAL News interviewed Winn in 2017 when Hillsborough police officers were undergoing cognitive training, or teaching officers a new way to think about their jobs.

"I think it's one of those things, you only get as much out as you're willing to put in," Winn said at the time. "You're going to spend 30 seconds focusing on each of your five senses. You might hear your radio go off. You might hear a person come up and ask you a question."