Dr. George Washington pinned as Savannah-Chatham schools’ new police chief

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education Police Department has a new chief, and he was officially pinned for the job Friday.

Ceremony and background

Dr. George Washington was sworn in as chief on Oct. 1. Friday afternoon’s ceremony at Woodville-Tompkins High School marked his first formal address to his command. His wife, Cheryl, pinned his badge.

Chief Washington brings more than 30 years of law enforcement, military and executive leadership experience to the role. He is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who also led the Savannah and Atlanta police departments.

Chief’s approach to students

Washington said his goal is to support students, not punish them.

“We’re here to be helpful, not to be a cog in the wheel. We don’t want to put a child in the system, the criminal system, when they don’t have to go away. We want to give them the opportunity. We all make mistakes,” Washington said.

Washington said he wants parents to reach out directly if they have concerns about their child so his department can step in before a situation escalates.