Police Department Fills Major Positions

The has named the people who will be taking over the two open major positions.

Matt Boyd, 37, is a 12-year-veteran of the department and will be the major overseeing support services. Police Chief Charlie Sewell noted Boyd’s experience with internal affairs, grant writing, budgeting, criminal investigations, and being a public information officer.

John Robison, 40, was a lieutenant with the Alpharetta Police Department and will start with Powder Springs on Friday. His major position will primarily be to oversee operations, like the patrol division.

Sewell described his experience with criminal investigations, hostage negotiations, public speaking and internal affairs.

Sewell said Robison also has a master’s degree and is knowledgeable of the state accreditation process, which requires 129 standards of liability to be met to help protect a department’s employees. The chief said one of his goals is to reach state accreditation. 

More than 40 people from inside the department and externally applied for the major positions, Sewell said.

“We had some very good internal and external candidates,” he said. “Both the candidates that were selected bring a lot to the table.”

Boyd and Robison were hired in at a salary range of between $53,700 and $83,236, Sewell said.

One major position became open when Maj. Mark Weaver . The other Sewell created from the vacant deputy chief position.

Moving forward with other staffing, Sewell plans to promote two current employees to lieutenant, two to sergeant, two to detective, and one to detective lieutenant.

Sewell said a panel consisting of himself and supervisors from other agencies will decide on the promotions.

The chief is also looking to bring in three patrol officers from outside the department. There are five remaining applicants who are being interviewed by a panel today, he said.

Noting recent “shortages” of officers on the street that can create “dangerous” situations for current employees, Sewell said of hiring new officers: “I’m hoping it will be a big relief for the entire department."