Chatham Co. Police Department withdraws from joint SWAT team, citing safety concerns

by Christopher Teuton

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley has withdrawn his department from the joint Chatham County SWAT Team (which was staffed by officers of the CCPD and deputies of the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office) over safety and communication concerns, according to a statement made by the department WTOC just received.

The Chatham County Police Chief said he made the decision due to concerns for officer welfare, safety, and the reputation of CCPD and associated agencies. Chief Hadley said he made numerous attempts to meet with Sheriff Richard Coleman to discuss SWAT team issues but received little response.

Hadley briefed the Chatham County Board of Commissioners in executive session Dec. 5 about his decision to pull the Chatham County Police Department from the team, which included CCPD officers and Chatham County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

The CCPD states that, with the support of Chatham County Commission, Hadley subsequently informed Chatham County Sheriff Richard Coleman of his decision.

“SWAT Team Operations are an extremely ‘High Risk Law Enforcement Function’, which necessitate strong relations amongst its leaders and open paths to communication,” CCPD said in their statement. “The lack of the afore mentioned puts SWAT Team members and the community at risk.”

The chief said he recently learned the sheriff’s office approved use of the team’s armored Bear-Cat vehicle for a private wedding, which “subjected the county to unnecessary liability and embarrassment.” He said this incident, coupled with other issues, led to his decision to withdraw CCPD’s participation.

WTOC has received a copy of the memo Chief Hadley sent to Sheriff Coleman, which you can view in full below:

Savannah Police Department’s SWAT team has agreed to respond to emergencies in CCPD’s jurisdiction during the transition period. Hadley and his staff are working to reconstitute a SWAT team serving unincorporated Chatham County and partner agencies.