In a historic milestone for Cobb County, Shameta Jones-Harrell has been sworn in as the first woman to lead any police department in the county’s history, officially assuming her role as Chief of Police for the City of Austell.
Her appointment marks a powerful new chapter in law enforcement leadership, as Jones-Harrell brings more than two decades of experience, a commitment to equity, and a vision grounded in both community and accountability.
“I joined law enforcement to ensure that I could help progress other women through the ranks,” Chief Jones-Harrell told WSB-TV after her swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday night.
Chief Jones-Harrell’s top priorities for the department include increasing female representation, achieving state accreditation, and enhancing community policing efforts. She noted that the department is nearing completion of the certification process, a move that promises to strengthen professionalism and transparency within the force.
Her career began in October 2000 with the College Park Police Department, where she served as a detective specializing in sex crimes, domestic violence, and crimes against children. She also broke barriers by serving on the SWAT team, at the time the only woman in that role.
Later, she joined the Brookhaven Police Department, climbing the ranks from sergeant to major, where she managed Support Services, oversaw Community Engagement, and spearheaded faith-based initiatives like “One Congregation One Precinct.” She also served as a liaison to the city’s Social Justice, Race, and Equity Commission.
In 2021, she became Deputy Chief of the Austell Police Department, where she led more than 60 outreach efforts and helped implement patrol strategies credited with reducing violent crime. Her leadership, both operational and inspirational, has been a guiding force in reshaping the department’s relationship with the community.
A graduate of Jacksonville State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a concentration in Forensic Science, Chief Jones-Harrell has completed advanced executive training, including courses in Critical Incident Stress Management. She is an active member of both the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
She credits her strength and focus to her faith, her late mother, and her role as a devoted mother to two sons. A photo of her mother with the inscription, “Inside me is a weak heart, but behind me is a strong God,” remains close to her at all times—a reflection of the personal resilience she brings to her historic role.
With her appointment, Chief Jones-Harrell not only breaks barriers in Cobb County law enforcement but sets a bold precedent for women of color in policing across Georgia and the nation.
