Roberts confirms Deputy Chief Parks would be first in role
by Robin Kemp
Clayton County Police Chief Kevin Roberts is asking the Board of Commissioners to approve an assistant chief of police position at tonight’s (Tuesday, July 20, 2021) meeting.
Roberts told The Clayton Crescent the change “reinforces clarity within the line of succession and the police department. The sheer magnitude of the responsibilities with field operations dictates the importance” of having a clear line of succession should anything happen to the chief.
The department has two deputy chiefs at present, Roberts confirmed: Deputy Chief Bruce Parks, who is in charge of field operations, and recently-promoted Major Mike Shields. With 23 years of experience at CCPD, Parks would be the person who would fill that first deputy chief slot, Roberts said.
The idea is to “improve management efficiency and lines of authority,” according to the request on the agenda.
A little history: “In 2007, the Police Department under the direction of Chief Darrell Partain, adopted a structure that included two Deputy Police Chiefs. The structure was adequate at that time and met the mission, vision, and goals of the Department.”
By reclassifying one of those deputy chief positions as assistant chief of police, “(the) change will provide a clear reporting structure to promote efficiency and accountability.”
The assistant chief of police would be the person in charge when the chief is away. That person would be second in command of Field Operations, which covers the Uniform Patrol, Criminal Investigations, and Narcotics Divisions.
The reclassification comes with an annual cost of $8,881.
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 112 Smith Street in Jonesboro. You also can view the livestream online or on CCTV23/Uverse 99.
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