South Hill police chief resigns after being placed on administrative leave, interim replacement appointed

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The police chief of South Hill has resigned after initially being placed on administrative leave due to "personnel matters" earlier this month. Officials also appointed an interim replacement.

On Wednesday, Oct. 22, the town of South Hill shared in a social post that they concluded an internal review related to Police Chief Greg Geist. After the review finished, Geist resigned, according to the town.

This comes more than a week after Geist was put on paid administrative leave due to “personnel matters that are both highly sensitive and confidential in nature," per a statement from the Town manager Keli Reekes, on Oct. 14.

In the social post, Reekes appointed Deputy Chief Ryan Durham to serve as interim chief of police, "effectively immediately and until further notice."

"This internal review should not, in any way, be viewed as a reflection on the integrity or professionalism of the South Hill Police Department as a whole," Reekes said. "I have full confidence in the men and women of the department and in Interim Chief Durham's leadership. The department remains steadfast in its mission to protect and serve our community with honor and accountability."

Durham shared the following statement regarding the interim period in which he will serve:

"The South Hill Police Department is made up of dedicated public servants who take great pride in their duty to uphold the law and serve our citizens with integrity," Durham said. "I am honored to lead this department during this time of transition and remain committed to maintaining the community's trust and confidence. I will ensure that our organization stays grounded in its mission and values, and that the public continues to receive the highest level of service and accountability. I appreciate the trust placed in me during this interim period and will work closely with our staff, leadership, and community partners as we move forward together."