Statement from 9/22/21 BOMC General Meeting

Before we get started on the business at hand, I want to address the police department’s failure to achieve certification from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. While I am disappointed that the certification process was not handled with the professionalism expected from our department, I am pleased that the city took immediate action to address the issue. Steps have been outlined to correct the problems identified in the certification report, and a plan is being developed to make our police force the best possible for our community, our businesses, and our visitors. I have the utmost confidence in the Acting Chief of Police and the members of the police force and support them as they continue to serve and protect our city. 

Let me assure you that I take this issue very seriously. Here are our next steps:

1. We will enlist the services of a qualified third-party to review the police department in its entirety including policies and procedures, policing protocols, equipment, security protocols and staffing levels. 
2. We will conduct an executive search for the new chief of police,
3. The Acting Police Chief will immediately begin to make corrections to the compliance files to ensure the department is prepared to go through the certification process once it is able to re-apply in twelve months, and
4. The city will immediately begin work with the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police to ensure that the city’s evidence room is secured in accordance with the standards outlined for certification.

Please be assured that the safety of our citizens and visitors is our top priority. I will be calling a special call meeting to discuss the details of how we move forward. Thank you.