High:84°F Low:68°F

Search

CRH appoints new System Chief of Police

Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 1:15 PM

CRH Chief of Police Webster-Courtesy of CRH

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Regional Health (CRH) Police Department announced James Webster as its newly appointed System Chief of Police and Director of Emergency Management.

Webster joined CRH in 2021 as Assistant Chief of Police; however, he brings more than 33 years of experience in law enforcement. He served as the chief of the North Vernon Police Department from 2006 to 2021.

Webster has spent the majority of his career in law enforcement administration, focusing on recruitment and retention, policy development, training and education, and service standards.

At CRH, James has played a vital role in the development and implementation of the hospital's police department. He has taken an active role in workplace violence prevention programs and co-instructs the Handle with Care training program. James is a member of the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) and serves on local and district Emergency Management committees.

Webster replaces former Chief Anthony (Tony) Pope, who retired in February 2026, after 10 years with the organization. During his tenure at CRH, Pope formed the CRH PD in December 2020. In retirement, Pope will serve as the president of the IAHSS. As IAHSS president, Pope is the chief ambassador and leader of the association, representing thousands of healthcare security and safety professionals worldwide.

Share

More from Top Story

  • City of Columbus presents 'Celebrate 250' from June 29-July 4

    COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus invites the community to "Celebrate 250", a week-long community celebration (June 29 to July 4) filled with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, historical experiences, food, music, fireworks, and more.

  • Lincoln Park holds ribbon-cutting for new ball diamond turf

    COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus Parks and Recreation on Wednesday announced the official completion of the turf conversion of six baseball and softball diamonds at Lincoln Park, marking a major investment in the future of local athletics, tournament tourism, and community recreation. 

  • 'Visit Columbus' expands team

    COLUMBUS, Ind. - Visit Columbus has announced the addition of three new full-time staff members as part of an organizational restructuring designed to strengthen the organization’s capacity to implement the initiatives outlined in the organization’s Destination Master Plan. 

  • 'Franklin Farmers Market/Strawberries on the Square' draws biggest crowd ever

    FRANKLIN, Ind. - Representatives at Discover Downtown Franklin said they were "totally blown away" by the attendance last Saturday, May 30, for the opening day of the Franklin Farmers Market and the rescheduled Strawberries on the Square event.

  • Seymour seeks vendors for first 'Taste of Our Town' in September

    SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Jackson County Chamber and Seymour Main Street have announced the inaugural "Taste of Our Town," a new community dining experience scheduled to take place in downtown Seymour on September 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. 

Community Calender

Today's Weather

  • Bartholomew County Weather

    Sunny intervals

    High: 84°F | Low: 68°F

Follow Local News Digital on