News | South Fulton

Fairburn hires new police chief

Mon, 11/19/2007 - 9:40am
By: Ben Nelms

Fairburn made the move Nov. 13 to select a new police chief, with the hiring of retired Fulton County Police Deputy Chief James “Chip” McCarthy.

As in any field of endeavor, there is always a philosophical outlook that drives day-to-day operations. McCarthy said his philosophy on law enforcement, and the resultant goals he sets for the department, centers significantly on communication, visibility and openness.

“I want to make the community feel like it’s part of the department,” McCarthy said. “And I want the community to know what we do and understand why we do it. So it’s important to be open to the public and to have an open door, to meet with people and work with them in a cooperative manner. And I hope the public will be open, too, without preconceived notions.”

McCarthy said an area he holds significant is officer training, adding that specialized training, in areas such as traffic accident investigation, helps bolster the effectiveness and professionalism of a department.

Along with the opportunity to serve as chief, McCarthy said the political climate in Fairburn made the position desirable.

“Fairburn has a different type of political atmosphere here. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to come here,” McCarthy said, adding that the atmosphere provides a refreshing change compared to some of the other municipalities he has worked with over the years.

McCarthy and his family live in Woodstock. The new chief said he will remain there since he has long been involved in school, church and friendships in that area. But geographical distance will not compromise his leadership, McCarthy insisted, because his perspective on law enforcement and supervision holds it to be a 24/7 job.

McCarthy was hired Nov. 13 by Mayor Betty Hannah.

McCarthy served in numerous positions in his 26 years with Fulton County Police. He began his tenure as a patrol officer in 1981 and was promoted to sergeant in 1985, where he created the department’s first Fatal Accident Investigation Unit. McCarthy was promoted to lieutenant in 1990 and to major in 1992. In 2000, he became Deputy chief of Administration, where he created the department’s first search and rescue unit and prepared its $26 million budget. McCarthy was promoted to Deputy Chief of Investigations in 2005 and remained in that position until his retirement in July. In that position, he was responsible for oversight of all criminal investigations and he administered the SWAT, narcotics and crime scene units and recruiting efforts.

The new chief holds a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice from Mercer University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He has specialized training in executive development and training and accident reconstruction.

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Overlooked Chief
Submitted by 30213Taxpayer on Tue, 11/20/2007 - 9:38am.

I will begin by saying that I know nothing about the new Chief. I wish him good luck. And now, onto my soapbox.

I think it is a tragedy that Jay Midkiff has been overlooked once again by the city for police chief. He has experience and wisdom that far exceeds his years. He has a calm demeanor and commands authority not by being a tyrant like so many before him, but by being a true leader that is loved and respected by those who serve with him. I know many officers that would gladly follow him anywhere because of his character and leadership. In light of recent events, maybe its time for a real leader with true character to run the department.

Unfortunately, every time the sitting chief makes a mess of things, the city ousts them and looks to this man who knows how to run a police organization to save them. Three times Midkiff has bailed the city out and acted as chief to preserve the continuity of operations and clean up a predecessor's mess. Three times he has been ignored for chief when it came time for a permanent appointment. It is sad and disgraceful that the city calls on him every time they need a savior, only to screw him once he has served their purpose. I feel that the city has burned him one too many times now, and many of his wonderful ideas and programs that would improve the department so much will never get off the ground. I would be surprised if he continues to stick around to be used and abused by the city again. It is pity that the city didn't have better foresight. I can only hope that the new chief has the wisdom to make Midkiff an integral part of the department, instead of a sideliner like the last chief did.

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Hello To The New Police Chief Of Fairburn
BPR's picture
Submitted by BPR on Mon, 11/19/2007 - 3:58pm.

Hello- I just recently moved from the Fairburn area, we had a house for sale for about 7 months, during this time next door neighbor kids broke into my empty house through the garage- next door neighbor saw kids hanging around my garage door. They also left my front entrance door open.

I went next door and asked a kid who was suspended from school was at home and I asked if he had seen anything going on. He said no, then I went to another neighbor and asked her and that is when she said she saw kids around my garage.

I instantly called the police, they came and questioned both myself, my son, the neighbor, the kids Mom came home and he was taking trash out- was trying to walk and leave- the neighbor told the police there he goes. They stopped and talked to him.

I had to write a written statement and so did my Son and the neighbor,
the kid was cuffed,(this was difficult for me, he use to be friends with my Son) and taken to city hall.

I took my statement to city hall in fairburn was told I would be contacted, I was- the police asked if I was willing to have the kid fix the broken glass in the garage. I said yes, he gave me the kid's phone number to call his Mom.

After several conversations with the Mom she said she would fight it in court because her child said another did it. I tried to contact the police involved- GUESS WHAT- HE HAD TRANSFERED TO DOUGLASVILLE.

I make a trip down to the police station- they do not have our statements- and I was treated like the one who did the crime. The policeman I talked to asked me the most off the wall questions. I asked for my statements, and he said they were trying to locate them.

I was told if I wanted money for the garage window I would have to go to small claims court- if I wanted to prosecute the kid I would have to go to court- the policeman said I could send him to boot camp for two weeks- I said fine, I do not want to harm this kid, but if you don't do anything what may happen in the future. tHEY DID NOT DO ANYTHING TO THE KID.

I was told I would receive a phone call from another policeman that would take over, untill today I have not got one call.

I even called the police chief who was to call back-HE DID NOT CALL BACK.

WAKE UP FAIRBURN- WHEN KIDS, PEOPLE COMMIT CRIME- THERE IS A PRICE TO PAY- I THANK GOD I DON'T LIVE THERE ANYMORE, IF YOU DO, BE READY TO FIGHT YOUR BATTLE WITH THE POLICE.

GOOD THING- MY HOUSE WAS SOLD! THANK GOD!


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Chip Mcarthy
Submitted by GOOD GUY on Mon, 11/19/2007 - 4:10pm.

This guy ant gonna stay to long, he needs a job, Fairburn is a steping stone, his ego is a lot higher than Fairburn.

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