Butler’s New Police Chief Already Making Changes After One Month on the Job

BUTLER, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The city of Butler has a new top cop. Police Chief Jimmy Towns officially took over the role in early February as the first African American to serve in the position.

“It says a lot about our city, and the way we want to go forward,” said Towns.

Just one month on the job, and Towns is already encouraging more police presence in the city.

“We care about this city, and what goes on in this city. So even if it’s just going out to the stores and schools that’s what we’re going to do.”

Officer Matthew Binkley said since Towns took over the force has also been cracking down on drug-related crime.

“We’ve become more pro-active than we have in the past,” said Binkley.

“Butler’s small, but every city has their problems. So there are some areas of the city we are going to be working on,” said Towns.

Resident Laura Hobbs said she’d like to see the north end of town cleaned up.

“A lot of the dope-pushers and things like that. I think it needs to be checked in closer,” said Hobbs.

Mike Watson said Towns is the right man for the task.

“We need someone who can do the job, and do it well, and I think he can do it,” said Watson.

Many residents said one of the reasons they believe Towns is going to make a great chief is because he really knows how to connect with kids.

“He’s real good with teenagers and kids,” said Hobbs.

“I think he’ll make a good role model for all the kids,” said Watson.

Towns is a school resource officer. He wants to create more youth programs, and encourage kids to be better versions of themselves.

“I lived in a bad neighborhood, but you can be whoever you want to be,” said Towns.

Butler City Councilwoman Deborah Williams says he already has a great relationship with the kids, and she’s looking forward to more officers interacting with the children.

Williams says she’s very impressed with the job Towns has done so far. He’s already applying for grants to improve day-to-day operations for the department.