Cason to become acting police chief Friday; Parker starts as administrator Tuesday

Published 6:16 pm Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Assistant Police Chief Cliff Cason will take over operational control of the Dalton Police Department at the end of the business day Friday when Chief Jason Parker steps aside to become city administrator.

“That is in keeping with department policy, and he will remain interim police chief or acting police chief until a new police chief is named by the Public Safety Commission and confirmed by the City Council,” said Dalton Public Safety Commission Chairman Bill Weaver said.

Parker starts as city administrator on Tuesday.

Cason was named assistant police chief by the Public Safety Commission in 2015.

“I have full confidence in him,” Weaver said.

Mayor Dennis Mock said he is confident that Cason will do well as acting chief, citing his experience.

Cason has been with the Dalton Police Department for more than 24 years. He joined as a patrol officer in May 1993. Before becoming assistant chief, he was captain of the patrol division. He has also been a patrol supervisor, a detective and a drug unit detective among other roles.

He has a master’s degree in public administration from Columbus State University and a bachelor’s degree from Covenant College. He has attended the FBI’s National Academy and has law enforcement management training from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, the Police Executives’ Research Forum, and the FBI LEEDS (Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar).