Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight has chosen current Christian County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Jason Newby to serve as the next Chief of Police at the Hopkinsville Police Department, pending council approval.
The choice came after a months-long search that fielded 29 applicants, but in an announcement Friday, Mayor Knight says Newby showed confidence, enthusiasm and respect for his hometown and for law enforcement, while presenting a vision for the department that will benefit Hopkinsville that made him the best choice.
Speaking with WHOP News, Newby says he has several goals in mind for the department, starting with open communication with the community, officers and other agencies to help make Hopkinsville safer.
He says he hopes his experience in law enforcement—both at the sheriff’s department and Kentucky State Police—shows that he can be trusted to step into the role of chief.
He asks for the public’s, and the department’s, patience during the transition period as he hopes to start learning the ropes around mid-April before Chief Sumner retires in August.
The mayor intends to bring the matter to Hopkinsville City Council for a vote in early April, and upon confirmation, Newby will work with Chief Sumner and Deputy Chief Michael Seis to ensure a smooth transition.
He will be responsible, if approved, for 79 sworn officers, 13 non-hazardous HPD employees and 22 ECC employees and maintaining a roughly $9 million budget.