Shameta Jones-Harrell has been named the new police chief of Austell, Georgia. She is the first Black woman to hold this role in the city’s history and in Cobb County. The city council voted unanimously to appoint her, marking an important step for the community. Austell Police Department shared the news on Facebook on June 2, celebrating this historic achievement.
Jones-Harrell brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience. She now leads a department serving a city where over 60% of residents are Black, according to 2024 census data. Her appointment reflects a commitment to strong leadership and community-focused policing.
Extensive Law Enforcement Experience in Georgia
Before becoming police chief, Shameta Jones-Harrell built a remarkable career in law enforcement. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a focus on Forensic Science from Jacksonville State University in Alabama. Her career began in 2000 as a uniform patrol officer for the College Park Police Department near Atlanta.
During her time there, she joined the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and worked as a Field Training Officer. Jones-Harrell also served as a detective specializing in sex crimes, domestic violence, and crimes against children. Her leadership skills grew as she was promoted to Sergeant.
Leadership Roles at Brookhaven Police Department
In 2013, Jones-Harrell moved to the Brookhaven Police Department as a Uniform Patrol Sergeant. She took on key leadership roles that transformed the department’s approach to community policing. As Commander of Support Services, she helped rename the Community Policing Unit to the “Community Engagement Unit.” This change better showed the unit’s goal to work closely with residents.
Jones-Harrell also started the “One Congregation One Precinct (OneCop)” program. This initiative connects police officers with local faith-based groups to build trust and cooperation. Her work helped improve relationships between the police and the community.
Championing Police Accountability and Equity
Shameta Jones-Harrell played a vital role in police reform efforts. She served as a liaison to the Social Justice, Race, and Equity Commission’s Police Accountability & Legitimacy Committee. There, she shared her department’s standards for fair and just policing.
“Her guidance helped shape recommendations to improve police work and address historic injustices,” noted city officials.
Her commitment to equity and accountability shows her dedication to creating safer communities.
Leading Austell’s Police Department Into the Future
As Austell’s police chief, Jones-Harrell leads a department serving a largely Black community. She is a member of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). These connections give her access to national resources and best practices.
Jones-Harrell has said she hopes to use her experience to serve all residents well. Her leadership aims to strengthen safety and trust throughout Austell and the wider Cobb County area.
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