LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — There will be new leadership come the new year for the Clarksville Police Department in southern Indiana.

The Town of Clarksville will name a new police chief Tuesday, Jan. 2, during the council meeting after the new council is sworn in. Current Town Council President Ryan Ramsey told WDRB News that current Administrative Specialist Captain Nathan Walls will be promoted to chief. 

Current Town Council At-large and Council Vice President Democrat Karen Henderson said a change is needed.

"After a review of our police department, it was decided a change in administration was needed," Henderson told WDRB. "The nature of policing has changed over the decades and a fresh perspective is needed to improve, hire and retain qualified people."

The town is swearing in four new council members who were elected in November: Tony Munich D-District 1, Darci Schiller R-District 2, Bob Stotts R-District 5 and Bob McEwen D-at large member. Henderson was elected in November as the new District 4 councilmember. 

Henderson said Walls has experience as an officer, narcotics detective, and is also a hostage crisis negotiator. Henderson also said he is involved in the Clarksville community volunteering his time to youth sports, Special Olympics and Clarksville Community Schools.

Current Chief Mark Palmer has been chief since 2012. Henderson expressed her thanks for Palmer's service to the town. 

This story will be updated.

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