Centerville’s new police chief hoping to keep citizens a priority

CENTERVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Centerville’s new police chief is in the first week of his job. He says while he’s been greeted with opens, there’s a lot of work that needs to be done.

“My agenda is one thing and that’s being proactive with citizens,” Chief Ronald Rodgers said.

When you get the chance, you have to seize the opportunity.

“They can rest assured that their agency is in great hands,” Rodgers continued.

The 22-year law enforcement veteran worked a majority of his time in Macon and says he’s ready to be the top cop in a new city.

“Going to command college which made a major difference in my life when it comes to understanding how to police today in these times,” Rodgers said.

At a time when the divide between law enforcement and the community can be large, Rodgers is challenging his officers to mend the fences and bridge the gap.

“When it all boils down at the end of the day is what are we doing for this citizens. You know, that’s the biggest question,” Rodgers pointed out.

His first priority is reassuring the community is in good hands. Since July, the department has had it’s ups and downs trying to fins a permanent leader.

Long time Chief Sidney Andrews retired. The city created a new position for one of it’s councilmen to run the department. He was removed, and then the Houston County Sheriff’s Office had to step in.

“We really have to give thanks to Sheriff Talton and his command staff and his captain for coming over and doing so,” Rodgers said.

He said he’d also like to create a chaplain program for the department — another measure to including the community in the department.

“I think every agency needs to have one, especially with what you see going on in this country today. Not only just for our sake, but for our citizens,” Rodgers said.

A move of transparency, Rodgers feels will create a better department.

In an effort to create a good relationship with residents, Chief Rodgers plans on sending a survey out in the next month to get feedback on what people would like to see from the department.