Habersham County native Chris Jones is the new Baldwin police chief, taking the oath of office Tuesday night from Mayor Joe Elam.
“I’m huge into community policing,” Jones said. “The chief I came here with, Jeff Branyon – great guy – we totally rebranded this department. And that’s my goal with rebranding is develop new relationships with the citizens and the employees because there were some tensions when we got here, so we’re definitely rebuilding, and every day is a new day.”
Jones said while patrol and enforcement are integral parts of daily duties for his officers, he wants the department to be about more than just those elements.
“One of my pets is the schools,” Jones said. “Head Start here in Baldwin doesn’t have an SRO [school resource officer]. It’s a federal funded program, so it is my duty when I’m available I’m there every morning greeting the kids coming in and out, and I also do walk-throughs at the school. And, Baldwin Elementary has a funded SRO through the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, but we still have a great relationship with the school and myself and the other officers do walk-throughs.”
Branyon has taken a position with Truett McConnell University in Cleveland, but said Jones is the right person to lead Baldwin Police Department.
“The reason he’s the right guy is because of his character,” Branyon said. “Great experience as a former State Trooper. His knowledge is tremendous, but why he’s going to be a fantastic chief is because of the character of the man that he is himself.”
Branyon will remain on the department’s part-time roster.
While under Branyon’s leadership the department upgraded weapons, equipment, and training. Jones said one of the remaining areas of need is vehicle upgrades, but he is working with Baldwin Chief Administrative Officer Emily Woodmaster on that.
“I am working on a program with the city manager and we’re going to present it to council, and I’m going to try to get new patrol vehicles because I’m dealing with some that have lots of miles, lots of years on them, and my officers need good vehicles to respond to calls,” Jones said.
Jones welcomes Baldwin residents to get to know him and his officers.
“If somebody – I mean it can be one individual – if they want to call and want to come drink coffee with me at the police department, I’m available,” Jones said. “I want people to know that I’m always available and my officers are available. We’re not here just to write tickets. We’re here for the people.”
