Gluckstadt Police Chief Resigns

In a recent development, Wendell Watts, the Chief of the Gluckstadt Police Department, has officially submitted his resignation. His last day as chief of this Mississippi city, located approximately 17 miles north of Jackson, is set for this upcoming Monday. Despite the news of his departure, Watts remains tight-lipped about his future plans.

Watts assumed the role of police chief in February 2022, becoming the inaugural holder of this position in the newly incorporated city. He played a pivotal role in establishing the city's police department from the ground up. His contributions ranged from assisting in the design of the city's inaugural police station to crafting the distinctive shoulder patches worn by the city's police officers. Currently, the department comprises 12 full-time officers, six part-time officers, and four or five reserve officers.

Prior to his tenure as Gluckstadt's police chief, Wendell Watts had served as a watch commander with the Madison Police Department and as the director of security at Merit Health Central. His law enforcement career began in 1992 with the Jackson Police Department, followed by his role as captain with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office in 2012.

As for his successor, no official announcement has been made. Nevertheless, Watts has hinted that Assistant Chief Barry Hale is a likely candidate for the position. He stated, "I brought him on for the sole reason to follow me and take over after I left. The department is in a great position for him to continue going in the direction we are going or to go in another direction."

The Gluckstadt Police Department faces a significant transition in leadership as Chief Wendell Watts prepares to step down from his role. While the identity of the next chief remains uncertain, Assistant Chief Barry Hale appears poised to inherit the responsibilities of leading the department into the future.