Woodstock Chief Of Police Named By City

WOODSTOCK, GA — The City of Woodstock has announced that Robert Jones is the sole finalist for the position of chief of police.

His first day in the role is set for Monday, March 14.

City-leaders launched a nationwide search to fill the position when Woodstock Police Chief Calvin Moss announced his retirement last fall.

As Chief of Police in Kingsland, Georgia, Jones improved the trust of the public in their police department by implementing meaningful community outreach programs and developing valuable dialog with community leaders. He established positive leadership in the department and increased recruitment and retention in a challenging time for law enforcement. These measures delivered a 35 percent reduction in crime rates.

"Chief Robert Jones has led an impressive career in law enforcement across the state of Georgia,” Mayor Michael Caldwell said. “I am confident that he will do an outstanding job maintaining Woodstock's low crime rates and continuing our department’s reputation for community engagement and professionalism. Our eternal gratitude goes out to Chief Calvin Moss for his years of service and legacy of excellence, and we are excited to Welcome Chief Jones to our city."

Throughout his career, Jones has led law enforcement agencies into creating stronger and lasting bonds with their communities. A former chief of police in Adairsville, Georgia, and warden of the Carroll County Correctional Institution, Jones demonstrates expertise in law enforcement, administration, community-based policing, and emergency management.

He began his career in law enforcement with the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office in 1999 and later served as a police officer with the Rome Police Department, a police supervisor with the Georgia Army National Guard, and a DEA task force officer with the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office.

Jones is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and led U.S. troops in missions around the world as a platoon sergeant. Jones has served as an adjunct professor at Columbus State University Law Enforcement Command College since 2019 instructing law enforcement executives in the ethical, operational, policy, legal, and administrative issues of today’s public safety environment.

“We are excited about Chief Jones joining our police department," City Manager Jeff Moon said. "He will be a good fit with our community and be able to continue the positive direction and successes of the department that Chief Moss has worked on for the past ten years. I know that he and his family are looking forward to returning home to the North Georgia area.”

Jones holds an executive certificate in leadership and management from Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, a masters in public safety administration from Columbus State University, a bachelors of science in public safety and emergency management from Grand Canyon University, and an associate's in law enforcement from Thomas University. He is a graduate of Gordon Central High School.

Jones has received public safety and military awards and commendations throughout his career. As warden in Carroll County, Jones implemented progressive inmate education programs that were recognized by former Gov. Nathan Deal and the U.S. Department of Justice. He was also recognized for his leadership as chief of police following the January 2013 EF-3 tornado outbreak in the City of Adairsville that caused over $70 million in damage to public and private property.

There will be a reception to welcome Jones to the City of Woodstock prior to the city council meeting at The Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main Street, on Monday, March 14.

A retirement reception honoring Moss is set for 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28, at The Chambers at City Center. No RSVP is required. The reception will take place prior to the city council meeting.

For more information about the City of Woodstock, visit woodstockga.gov.