First day for Macon-Bibb law enforcement merger

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Wednesday marked the first day on the job for Macon police officers– who changed out their badges for Bibb County sheriff’s deputies uniforms.

The move was part of the new Macon-Bibb County Consolidation, which went into effect Jan. 1.

More than 300 Macon police officers made the transition, which means about 600 deputies are working to protect and serve Bibb County residents.

Bibb County Sheriff Department Major Robert Grabowski is at helm of District Three, located in Macon.

He says the police officers worked to get the deputies familiar with handling new paperwork and assigned them to different zones in their new districts.

“The main thing today is just getting familiarized with who they are working with and radio call signs and answering calls for service,” said Grabowski. 

Lt. David Holliday says everything appears to be running smoothly.

“Everyone is very familiar with this area,” said Holliday. “So, it was a real easy transition.”

Former Macon Police Chief Mike Carswell is the first person to hold rank as Colonel in the consolidated Macon-Bibb Sheriff’s Department.

Law enforcement officials say they have been working for more than a year to make the transition
as smooth as possible.