This is a press release from the City of Statesboro.
Statesboro City Manager Charles Penny announced Tuesday night at the conclusion of the City Council meeting that Captain Jared Akins has been named Interim Police Chief, effective July 1, 2026.
Akins will step into the executive role following the retirement of current Police Chief Mike Broadhead, whose 40-year career in law enforcement and nine-year tenure leading the Statesboro Police Department concludes on July 1. Chief Broadhead leaves behind a fully staffed department built on a community-first policing philosophy.
“We are confident in Captain Akins’ ability to lead the department during this transitional period,” said City Manager Charles Penny. “He brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our community’s needs, ensuring that the department maintains its steady leadership and commitment to public safety.”
Captain Akins is a veteran law enforcement professional with 25 years of dedicated service to the Statesboro and Bulloch County communities. Since joining the Statesboro Police Department in 2017, he has served as Senior Detective and, since 2019, as the Captain of the Operations Bureau. In this capacity, he has directed all detectives, drug officers, K9 officers, and support personnel while managing budget development, strategic planning, and multi-agency event coordination.
Prior to his tenure with the Statesboro Police Department, Akins spent 16 years with the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, serving as Chief Deputy from 2013 to 2016. As second-in-command for the agency, he oversaw daily operations, general fund expenditures, human resources, and community relations. His extensive background also includes hands-on experience as a drug investigator, patrol supervisor, and crisis negotiator.
Akins holds a Master of Science in Public Administration from Arkansas State University and a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies from Georgia Southern University. He is a graduate of Statesboro High School and served in the Georgia Army National Guard from 1995 to 2003.
With more than 3,000 hours of professional training, Akins holds executive, managerial, supervisory, and instructor P.O.S.T. certifications. He is also a graduate of the 94th Command Officer’s Development Course through the University of Louisville’s Southern Police Institute.
“I am humbled and honored to serve the Statesboro community in this capacity during a time of transition,” said Captain Akins. “Chief Broadhead has set a tremendous standard of professionalism and leadership over the last nine years. My focus will be on maintaining that steady leadership, supporting our officers, and ensuring our department continues to provide the highest level of safety and engagement for our residents.”
The announcement of Akins’ appointment follows a public input town hall held on Monday, June 15, at City Hall where community members shared their priorities for the next permanent police chief. The city is currently partnering with executive search firm Developmental Associates to conduct a nationwide search for Chief Broadhead’s successor. The feedback gathered from residents will directly shape the candidate profile used in the evaluation and selection process of the next chief.
City Manager Penny stated during the council meeting announcement that he hopes to have the police chief position posted by the end of June, with the anticipation of filling the position in late October to early November.
