GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. — Glynn County Police Chief Jacques Battiste has submitted a letter of resignation this week to County Manager William Fallon, according to the county.
This comes a little more than a year after he was sworn in.
Battiste's last official day of duty for GCPD will be Dec. 16. Battiste was hired in June 2021 and has served Glynn County for the past 18 months.
Back in May, three Georgia law enforcement officers filed a federal discrimination lawsuit Monday, claiming the political environment following the murder of Ahmaud Arbery drove a race-based hiring process for the job of Glynn County police chief.
Arbery, a 24-year-old Black man, was murdered by three white men who chased him in their pickup trucks and shot him.
The three plaintiffs claim they were discriminated against in the hiring process due to their race, gender or both.
At this time there is no indication that the resignation of Battiste had anything to do with the lawsuit, in fact, Battiste says the move comes as another opportunity became available that he had his eye on for some time.
Statement from Battiste:
Good evening, Folks,
I’m sure that by now the news has well circulated through the department as well as the county. It was my intent to transparently make all of you aware of my recent decision; however, one or two people robbed the remainder of you from finding out in a “more palatable” manner of my heartfelt decision. Those individuals in their quest to exploit news to the media/social media that was to remain confidential until tomorrow, showed that they selfishly deprived the rest of you from receiving the “correct” information.
So, with I want each of you to know that it is with a heavy heart that I decided to step down as your police chief. A man works everyday to uplift everyone around him and lead with the best intentions possible. Most of you showed me that you want a better department…one with standards, accountability, structure, and integrity. I along with your current command staff and family are working to achieve that and truly make us live up to the name “Glynn’s Guardians!”
I leave not because of anything done wrong but to pursue another opportunity that I had long before coming to Glynn County. I will continue to champion the GCPD name and pray that all this family work to be better. The attached letter does a much better job of explaining my intentions.
I thank you for the opportunity of serving with you and Glynn County. May God Bless you and Keep You.
Chief Battiste"
Battiste was serving as a Deputy Constable/Training and Tactical Coordinator in New Orleans, LA prior to coming to Glynn County.
“Chief Battiste has worked to create a positive impact in our community,” said County Manager Bill Fallon. “We wish him the best in his future endeavors and thank him for what he brought to the department.”
No decision has been made regarding an Interim Chief at this time.