Mayor Jones Taps 33-Year Veteran for Police Chief's Position

Jul 7th, 2006

With the command staff of the Mobile Police Department standing on the steps of the atrium in Mobile Government Plaza and members of the City Council in the background, Mayor Sam Jones announced Friday his appointment of Major Phillip Garrett, a 33-year veteran of the department to become the city’s top cop.

The Selection Process:

Garrett’s selection followed a thorough nationwide search that drew approximately 51 applicants and involved a unique screening process that involved a citizen-based committee that included members from varied areas.

The initial police chief search committee, made up of BellSouth Manager Gigi Armbrecht, private security official Rodney Watson and former Mobile Police Chief Harold Johnson narrowed the applicant’s list down to 26, choosing only eligible candidates for the job.

The citizen-based screening committee included: Fred Richardson, City Council, Vice President; Richard Davis, retired educator; Cooper Thurber, attorney; David Cooper, businessman; Tyree Richburg, retired police chief and U.S. Marshal; Dr. Pat Taylor, education administrator; Don Scott, police officer and president of Alabama Police Benevolent Association; Rev. David Frazier, minister; Dr. Harvey White, USA professor; Terry Harbin, banker; Penny Dendy, Volunteer Mobile; Mary Powell, small business owner and Virginia Guy, Drug Education Council. This committee selected five applicants, who underwent a thorough background check from an outside agency before being submitted to the mayor for a final selection.

The Mayor’s Selection:

Jones interviewed the finalists twice and reviewed their video presentations prior to selecting Garrett as his choice for the job.

“This was an excellent selection process,” Jones noted. “I want to personally thank each member of the citizen committee for their time and thorough assessment in narrowing the police chief list down. Our goal is to choose a police chief that is responsive to the community and has a wealth of law enforcement experience. Our choice today is certainly well qualified in both those areas.”

Background On The New Chief:

Garrett, who started his tenure with the Police Department as a cadet in 1971, has worked his way up through the department’s ranks. He had the position of patrol officer, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain.

He will command a department of over 500 sworn police officers and nearly 200 support personnel.

Garrett is a 1984 graduate of Troy State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration. Garrett is married to the former Tammy Smitherman and they have three sons.

Some of the departments Garrett worked in included the Community Service Division, the First Precinct, Second Precinct Field Operations Division, Central Events Unit, Street Law Enforcement Narcotics Team, Internal Affairs, Community Relations, Tactical Response Team and the patrol division.

Jones said Garrett’s appointment will officially begin July 17, following approval from the City Council. In the meantime, Interim Police Chief Lester Hargrove will continue to serve in the leadership position.

“This was a difficult decision, due in part to the three excellent candidates like Lester Hargrove. They did a superb job in maintaining the professionalism and leadership of the department during the selection process,” Jones said. “I want to thank Deputy Chief Hargrove and the entire command staff of the Police Department for their dedication and performance during the process.”