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Perseverance pays off for Chief Roub
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By SHERYL POTTS
Daily Globe News Editor
 SHELBY — After a long career in keeping Shelby safe, and a two year stint at acting chief, Charles Roub, Jr. officially stepped into the position of chief of police three weeks ago. He cites his faith and fairness as being assets he believes will help guide him in his decisions, the transition and new responsibilities.
“I have been doing this job for a couple years now,” Roub laughed. “I am relieved the whole situation is behind us - a lot relieved, really - but I know that God puts us where we need to be when the time is right... and when we’re ready.”
As chief, Roub said his goal is to improve relationships within his department and throughout his community.
 “I guess as far as my legacy, I want people to remember me for who I am,” Roub said. “I hope they will come to know my integrity and know they can trust me. People have to have trust in their leaders... and their leaders have to be fair.
“With my officers, I believe we all have a good working relationship,” Roub said. “We have some really good people on our staff, and we have people in place who do a real good job. I want them to perceive me as fair and sympathetic as their leader, but at the same time know I will deal with issues that may arise and need handled. They will always have an expectation of what my reaction is going to be - fair yet firm.
“I’m hoping that in my relationship with the public will continue to grow,” Roub said. “They can call me anytime. I’m open and willing to listen. I can’t please everybody every time, but I’ll listen and do my best.
“Originally, I was worried about being more removed from the public - being stuck behind a desk filling out paperwork and paying bills,” Roub said. “But, I make the time to be out in the car. I’m still going to be driving around and seeing the people. I like it and I will continue to do it. I want people to have the opportunity to see me and talk to me.”
Roub said he is happy with the direction his department is heading.
“I haven’t planned any big changes... my philosophy is, if it’s not broke, why fix it,” Roub said. “But, there are a few things that need to be addressed. Right now, we have some personnel shifting going on with more senior people moving into positions they are comfortable in and suited for. Now we can focus on more opportunities - like a new building. I hope we can work a little harder toward that.
“We have a lot going on and getting started that I hope to see expand - the bike patrol, the Neighborhood Watch and the community interaction,” Roub said. “All of these things help bring the community together, and that’s something that’s of interest to me.
“We deal with a lot of issues now we didn’t see when I first started on the force,” Roub said. “Back then, neighbors knew and watched out for their neighbors, and parents dealt with their own child discipline issues. Now, police are called to intervene. I think the whole thing is that people used to talk to each other more.
“I’m always open to ideas and suggestions as to what the community would like to see happen,” Roub said. “I’d like very much to see a police dog reestablished at the department. I had a K-9 myself and think dogs are a great asset to the community - they’re a tool... they’re great public relations and they are a great help to the officers. But it is a commitment and it takes a dedicated officer.
“A detective agency is another option I’d love to see happen, but to do that, we’d have to have more people,” Roub said. “Given our population, the FBI says our numbers are short between two and five officers. Adding people to our department would be a nice thing. There are very few agencies that don’t have at least one officer working as a detective. But, we have to watch where we spend our money. Something like that could take a while.”
Roub started his law enforcement career as an auxiliary policeman in November of 1979. In 1982, we was hired in as a patrolman. A year and a half later, he made the rank of sergeant, then was promoted to captain in 1993.
“Being chief wasn’t necessarily a goal when I was first hired,” Roub said. “But I think I always had it in the back of my mind.
“And, yes, I am excited,” he laughed. “I’ve heard my family is proud of me. My wife (Connie) is happy, and proud of the accomplishment... and also realizes what goes along with the job. But, hey, we have had a little bit of time anyway to prepare.” |
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