Politics
Politics

Gwinnett names new police chief

By Arielle Kass
Oct 17, 2014

Gwinnett County has named a new police chief to replace the retiring chief, Charlie Walters.

A.A. “Butch” Ayers will take over the role Oct. 25. Walters is retiring after 35 years with the department.

Ayers, a 30-year-veteran of the Gwinnett Police Department, began his law enforcement career with the county. He is currently an assistant chief in the department and commands the administrative services division. Ayers has also overseen professional standards, SWAT, the Central Police Precinct, and the support, operations, criminal investigations and uniform divisions.

A Dacula resident, he has an associate degree in criminal justice from Gainesville State College, a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Georgia and a Masters of Public Administration from Columbus State University.

Ayers also is a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College and the FBI National Academy.

County commissioners will vote on his appointment Tuesday.

About the Author

Arielle Kass covers Gwinnett County for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She started at the paper in 2010, and has covered business and local government beats around metro Atlanta. Arielle is a graduate of Emory University.

More Stories

Keep Reading

A Fulton County commissioner said he had a responsibility to oppose the Republican Party's nominees: Julie Adams (left), who voted against certifying last year's primary election, and Jason Frazier, who has challenged the eligibility of thousands of voter registrations. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2023)

Credit: Arvin Temkar

Republicans push for election skeptics to oversee Atlanta-area voting

The Republican Party is pushing for voter challengers and election skeptics to take over seats on election boards in Fulton and DeKalb counties in Georgia.

Fentanyl, IVF and China: Some of the Georgia laws that begin Tuesday

New Georgia laws taking effect July 1 include new penalties for fentanyl possession, protections for in vitro fertilization, protectionist moves against China and more.

‘Nothing fancy. Just love’: Former Gov. Nathan Deal remarries in intimate ceremony

After losing their longtime partners, Former Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and Brenda Micali found love again — and sealed it with a rope in an intimate wedding.

The Latest

Among the laws the Georgia State Assembly passed that become law July 1 are codifying protections for in vitro fertilization access. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke/AP 2024)

Credit: AP

Fentanyl, IVF and China: Some of the Georgia laws that begin Tuesday

‘Nothing fancy. Just love’: Former Gov. Nathan Deal remarries in intimate ceremony

New Georgia laws affect transgender rights, IVF and underage access to porn

Featured

People carrying a giant pride flag participate in the annual Pride Parade in Atlanta on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Corporate pullback from LGBTQ groups leaves Atlanta organizations in the lurch

Some Atlanta LGBTQ groups are reevaluating their programming and staffing in light of the reduced support.

Atlanta mayor: Property tax hike needed to keep up with population growth

Andre Dickens said a property tax hike is almost unavoidable, as Atlanta’s leaders work to keep up with population growth that brings increased demand for city services.

GDOT’s roadside helpers return to 24/7 service

The highway helpers who patrol metro Atlanta’s interstates will return to 24/7 service on Tuesday, just in time for the busy holiday weekend.