Avondale Estates hires new chief of police
Officials in Avondale Estates have announced the city’s next chief of police.
Harry Hess will take over the leadership role of the Avondale Estates police department on April 26. The city has been on the search for a new chief of police after former Police Chief Lynn Thomas and Lt. Duanne Thompson left the department due to a failed accreditation process last year.
“Harry Hess not only brings a wealth of experience to the city, but he has the personality to connect with the community,” said City Manager Patrick Bryant.
Hess started his law enforcement career in 2004 in Doraville. In 2017 Hess accepted a position as the state certification manager and training manager with the Clarkston Police Department and was appointed to assistant chief of police in Clarkston in 2019.
The city conducted a national search for an experienced law enforcement professional with the assistance of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, stated officials.
Hess’ Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T) certifications include:
- Intermediate, Supervisory and Management
- Field Training Officer and Departmental Training Officer
- General, Firearms, Defensive Tactics and Master Resiliency Instructor
According to its website, the Georgia P.O.S.T. Council “provides the highest degree of excellence in public safety service and eliminates unqualified individuals from the law enforcement profession.”
“I believe Harry Hess is the person to lead the department into the future and strengthen the trust our residents and neighboring communities have with our police department,” said Bryant.
Hess touched on his goals for the department, which, in the past, has been accused of targeting Black drivers and relying too heavily on revenue from fines.
“I am excited to join the City of Avondale Estates Police Department and take what I have learned from numerous mentors to grow the police department through the best practices of modern policing,” said Hess. “I believe, in time, the police department will be an example for other small agencies through community relations and fair and impartial policing.”
For more information, visit www.avondaleestates.org.
