Persley prepares for new role as Albany chief of police

ALBANY — Michael Persley, an Albany native and, at age 43, among the youngest officers heading the police force of a metropolitan area in Georgia, meet with the media Thursday morning to discuss his new position and his plans for the future.

As the reins of leadership are transferred from the current chief, John Proctor, who retires May 29, Persley said he’s conferring with his command staff on ways to improve what he calls “one of the finest police agencies in the state.”

“I’m both humbled and excited,” Persley said, “And I look forward to working with the the mayor, the city manager, city commissioners and most of all, the citizens of Albany.”

Persley, a 21-year veteran of the APD and a graduate of Dougherty High School, said he would continue to hold as objectives preservation of the peace, protection of life and property, and enforcement of the law which is economical, efficient and effective. He also has degrees from Darton State college, Troy University and the University of Phoenix.

Asked what he did on the morning of his first full day, knowing he’d soon be chief, Persley answered that he always begins with an identical routine.

“The first thing I did this morning was to pray,” Persley said, “And then I went to workout. I have to make sure my mind is right so I can make good, informed decisions for the officers here. That’s my every day start-up.”

There will be change at the APD, Persley said, including some “big ideas and visions,” all phased in over time. He did not eleaborate on those changes.

“The command staff and myself will be working as a team to do everything we can to move in a progressive manner and not ever go backward. During his six years in Albany, Chief Proctor has been a strong force in moving the department to where it is now, and we will continue to build on the foundation he laid. This is the Good Life City and we want to make sure it stays that way.”

Persley made no bones about having set his sights on becoming chief of police.

“Since I walked into the police department,” Persley said when asked how long it had been a goal. “It was an early goal. But did I think it would be at APD? I was realistic. I knew there could only be one chief, but I did everything to get as much experience, knowledge and wisdom as I could, so one day I’d be chief. It happened on the first stop.”