Effective on Monday, February 1, 2016 Michael F. Yates will assume the duties as Chief of Police for the City of Griffin Police Department.
A native of Henry County. Mike comes to the Griffin Police Department with 28 years of law enforcement experience. Yates holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree from the University of West Georgia and a Masters of Public Administration degree from Columbus State University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College and the Arkansas Law Enforcement Leadership Program.
Yates worked his way through the ranks of Henry County law enforcement before becoming Chief of the Bibb County Public School System Police. He has served as the Chief of Police for the City of Americus, Georgia and as the Executive Director of the Middle Flint Regional E-911 Authority. He recently served nine years as Chief of Police for the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas before returning to his family in Henry County.
Yates was offered the position from a large field of highly qualified applicants after a rigorous hiring process and background investigation. Chief Yates comes to Griffin with a history of success in the areas of crime reduction, community engagement, and service to the citizens.