Canton Hires Assistant Police Chief

Photo credit: Shutterstock

A new face will take over as second in command at the Canton Police Department.

Major Steve Merrifield of the Cobb County Police Department has been hired as the city’s new assistant chief.

“I strongly believe Major Merrifield demonstrates the leadership qualities, character and traits required of someone to occupy the position of assistant chief,” said Police Chief Mark Mitchell. “As you can see, his many accomplishments in and by themselves say a lot about his dedication, loyalty and desire to succeed. Major Merrifield has a high degree of personal integrity and a strong work ethic. He is approachable, professional and he displays a very motivated personality.”

Merrifield will take the position vacated by Mitchell, who became chief when Robert Merchant retired from the post.

Merrifield grew up in Forest Park and graduated from Forest Park High School. He served four years as a United States Army Ranger in Savannah before starting his law enforcement career with the Cobb County Police Department in 1984.

As an officer, he worked in a variety of assignments such as a patrol officer, a field training officer, S.W.A.T. Team member and a member of the department’s D.U.I. Task Force. He was promoted to sergeant in 1989 and served as a shift supervisor, D.U.I. Task Force sergeant and eventually led the department’s first full time Tactical Team.

In 1998, Merrifield was promoted to lieutenant and in addition to his assignments as a shift commander, S.W.A.T. Team commander, Criminal Investigations Unit commander and Park Ranger commander, he also created the department’s first Gang Unit (CAGE) and later the department’s first Street Crime Unit (VIPER).

In 2009, Merrifield was promoted to captain and served in a variety of assignments to include precinct commander and commander of the Internal Affairs Unit. He was promoted to major in 2013 and served as the adjutant to the deputy chief over Precinct Operations until 2015.

Merrifield graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with a bachelor’s degree in business management in 2005. He is also a graduate of the 241st session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Merrifield currently resides in Acworth with his daughter, who is working to obtain her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from KSU.

Merrifield will start his tenure with Canton police on Wednesday, Feb. 18 when he will be sworn into office at 2 p.m.

The ceremony will take place in the Council Chambers at Canton City Hall.