APD Chief Michael Persley talks about his first year as head of the department
Albany Police Department chief recaps his first year in office
By Jon Gosa
ALBANY — Albany Police Department Chief Michael Persley held a “Special Look Back at the Year” press conference on Monday at the downtown Law Enforcement Center.
Persley, who is approaching his one-year anniversary as head of APD, took time out of his schedule to meet with media representatives to talk about his experiences as chief.
“The biggest thing that I’ve learned,” Persley said, “is that for 22 years, I kind of thought that the police department operated independently of the city. But taking the role of being the chief executive officer here, I see that we play a major part in every function of the city. And one of the goals that I want to make sure that I get across to my staff, and really all the members of the department, is that we’re part of a bigger team. We are a large team, but we are part of an even bigger team. So the success of the city is going to be focused on the success that we have with the citizens.”
While describing his tenure as chief, Persley said, “There have been some things, crimewise, that have concerned me, such as cases involving children, whether it was an accident or something that was intentionally done. To see a life that hasn’t had a chance to develop and fully live and even get to the point where I’m at in life, to see that life cut short is disturbing.
“Another (issue that is) encouraging,” Persley said, “is that no matter what people may think about Albany and Dougherty County, Albany is not a bad place.”
According to Persley, the Albany Police Department, under his watch, will be attentive to the needs of the community and will provide fair, honest and just treatment for everyone they interact with.
Persley also said that it is his goal to create good working conditions and promote a team spirit within the department. By doing so, according to Persley, the APD can attract and retain good officers.
Persley was born and raised in Albany. He has served the Albany Police Department for more than 22 years and is a member of the Georgia Army National Guard. He has a master of science degree in Administration/Justice and Security from the University of Phoenix, a bachelor of science degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University, and an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Darton State College.
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