Unofficial Sources: Battiste Out as Glynn Chief

Our story is confirmed. Glynn County put out a press release this evening:

“GLYNN COUNTY, GA. – Glynn County Police Chief Jacques Battiste has submitted a letter of resignation to County Manager William Fallon. His last official day of duty for GCPD will be December 16, 2022. Chief Battiste was hired in June 2021 and has served Glynn County for the past 18 months.   

 

Chief Battiste was serving as a Deputy Constable/Training and Tactical Coordinator in New Orleans, LA prior to coming to Glynn County. He had a 22-year career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation where he served as a Supervisory Special Agent. He was a member of a counter terrorism division internationally and served on FBI response teams to critical incidents such as the 1996 Olympic bombing in and the USS Cole attack. 

 

“Chief Battiste has worked to create a positive impact in our community,” said County Manager Bill Fallon.  “We wish him the best in his future endeavors and thank him for what he brought to the department.”

 

No decision has been made regarding an Interim Chief at this time.”

Two sources confirm off the record that Glynn County Police Chief Jacques Battiste has turned in his notice and will depart his position on December 19th. Battiste was brought in after the retirement of Jay Wiggins, who briefly held the title in the face of the county’s termination of John Powell. Wiggins had been the interim chief while the county gave Powell time to resolve an indictment by a grand jury impaneled by former DA Jackie Johnson. Wiggins was later made permanent chief and Powell eventually let go. 

Rick Evans served as interim chief during an extensive search spearheaded by both the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police as well as the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Officers. Evans, a Glynn officer with decades of experience, was passed over for the position and eventually found himself chief of the Kingsland Police Department. 

Battiste’s hiring was announced in June of 2021, but his tenure was beset with number of difficulties, from his lack of POST certification to a massive outflow of officers from the department. 

One of the sources says Battiste is returning to his FBI roots by taking a position with FBI-LEEDA, a continuing education organization.

Newly-hired assistant Chief O’Neal Jackson III is expected to be the interim chief.


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