ATLANTA – State Representative David Wilkerson (D-Powder Springs) celebrates the recent appointment of the City of Austell’s new chief of police, Shameta Jones-Harrell. Chief Jones-Harrell will be the first female chief of police in Cobb County’s history.
“I have enjoyed getting to know Chief Harrell over the past two-plus years and have witnessed her strong leadership in our community,” said Rep. Wilkerson. “I congratulate her on becoming the first female chief of police in Cobb County—a truly historic achievement. I am confident that Chief Harrell will continue working tirelessly to keep Austell a great place for families to call home.”
Chief Jones-Harrell has worked in law enforcement for 25 years and earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in forensic science at Jacksonville State University. She began her career in 2000 with the College Park Police Department, rising through the ranks from uniform patrol officer to sergeant, serving as both a field training officer and detective. In 2013, Chief Jones-Harrell joined the Brookhaven Police Department as a sergeant before advancing to lieutenant and then to major. While there, she oversaw various units including Community Engagement, Training, Traffic Safety, Property and Evidence and Hiring and Background Investigations. In August 2022, she transferred to the Austell Police Department, serving as deputy chief of police before becoming interim chief of police.
Representative David Wilkerson represents the citizens of District 38, which includes a portion of Cobb County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Education, Judiciary Juvenile and Retirement committees.
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