Dalton Police Blog

Police Looking For Baby Formula Thieves

Dalton Police need the public's help identifying two suspects wanted for stealing over $400 dollars worth of baby formula.  The theft happened at Kroger on West Walnut Avenue on November 26th.  The two Hispanic males shown in surveillance photos got away with 30 cans of Ismill Advanced Powder.  They were last seen leaving in a silver van, possibly a Chevrolet, with the tag number ABD6382.  If you have any information about these suspects, please call detective Matthew Lock at 706-278-9085 extension 320.

Suspects at Kroger

One of the suspects in Kroger

Suspects' van

Most Wanted Suspect Apprehended

One of Dalton's Most Wanted criminals has been found in Chatsworth, GA.  Darrell "Adam" Mchan was wanted on Aggravated Assault and Domestic Violence charges for hitting his dad with a baseball bat on 12/19/2006.  He had been on the run and hiding from police.  Thanks to a tip from a concerned citizen, detectives were able to track him down to a home in Chatsworth.  The Murray County Sheriff's Office assisted our detectives with this apprehension.  If you have information about any of our Most Wanted, please call the department's crime tip HOTLINE at (706) 278-9085 extension 221.

Darrell "Adam" Mchan

New Police Chief

The Public Safety Commission has named Jason Parker Chief of Police effective November 27, 2007. He has been serving as Interim Chief since November 1st.

Chief Parker began his career with the Dalton Police Department in 1987 as a patrol officer.  In 1989, he was promoted to sergeant and acted as a patrol shift commander.  In 1997, he was promoted to lieutenant.  During that time, he managed the operations functions of every division within the agency.  In March of 2007, Parker was promoted to Assistant Chief and handled the operations of the entire department. 

Chief Parker began his career in law enforcement as a US Army Military Police Specialist.  He earned a bachelor's degree in management from Covenant College and a masters degree in public administration from Columbus State University.  In addition, Parker is a 1998 graduate of the 192nd Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA and a 2006 graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), Senior Management Institute for Policing in Boston, MA.  He is married to April Parker and has two daughters, ages 17 and 13.

Parker being sworn in as Chief of Police

Police Department Chaplains Sponsor Christmas Drive

The Dalton Police Department chaplains are teaming up with The GreenHouse to help brighten the lives of abused children this Christmas.  The GreenHouse is a children's advocacy center that provides services to the child victims of sexual and severe physical abuse.  Every year the GreenHouse hosts a Christmas party for the victims and their families who are in need during the holiday season.  We need your help to make this a Christmas that these children will never forget.

How can you help?  Bring an unwrapped toy or a cash donation to our Christmas Drive drop off point

Where?  Dalton Police Department, 301 Jones Street

When?  Friday December 7th, 2007

Time?  7:00am - 12:00pm

We look forward to seeing you there!

Christmas Shopping Safety Tips

Christmas is just one month away and the official kick-off for the holiday shopping season begins today, the day after Thanksgiving.

The Police Department wants to remind residents about taking security measures to reduce thefts, burglaries and entering autos.

• Safeguard your personal data such as credit cards, personal ID information and bank information
• Secure personal belongings and valuables out of sight or in the trunk of your vehicle while you are away
• Take steps now to better secure you home against unlawful entry by installing quality exterior doors, quality locks and deadbolts, and exterior motion lighting
• Take your purchases to your car intermittently
• Always lock your car doors
• Shop with a friend, there is safety in numbers
• Park in a well lit area

By taking some basic steps, we can all reduce our chances of being a victim of crime during this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving

The employees of the Dalton Police Department would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Police Looking For Credit Card Fraud Suspect

Dalton Police need the public's help identifying a credit card fraud suspect.  The man pictured below is wanted for duplicating a credit card and using it at the Wal-Mart on Shugart Road on October 31st.  The suspect stole a credit card number and duplicated a card.  When he tried to swipe the card and it didn't work, the cashier typed in the account number which allowed the suspect to buy nearly $1,500.00 dollars worth of merchandise.  The suspect was last seen driving away in a silver Chrysler mini-van.  If you have any information about this suspect, please call Detective Jason Bishop at 706-278-9085 extension 214.

Suspect leaving Wal-Mart

Suspect's mini-van leaving Wal-Mart

Reception Held For Former Chief

Former Dalton Police Chief James Chadwick was honored for his 34 years of service to the department on Thursday.  Numerous people attended the reception including Mayor Ray Elrod, City Council members, Public Safety Commission members and representatives from many law enforcement agencies across the state.  Chadwick now serves as manager of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center law enforcement academy in Dalton.

Chadwick being interviewed by the media

Chadwick with his wife and mother

Married Couple Arrested For Scamming Local Charities

Dalton Police have arrested a married couple for scamming local charitable organizations.  Beverly Joanne Knipp and Michael Paul Knipp are charged with theft by deception.  The couple would tell people at the organizations that they could not provide for their six children, when in reality Beverly Knipp does not have custody of her six children.  If you or anyone you know has fallen victim to Beverly or Michael Knipp, please call Detective Greg Bates at 706-278-9085 extension 137.

Beverly Joanne Knipp

Michael Paul Knipp

Police Chief Search Narrowed Down to 3

Three finalists have been announced in the search for Dalton's next police chief.  A search committee comprised of Public Safety Commission members and City Council members narrowed down the list from 26 applicants.  Here is a look at the three finalists.

• Barry Batchelor currently serves as a sergeant and shift commander with the Dalton Police Department.
• Michael Kinlein currently serves as a lieutenant and director of professional court services with the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office.
• Jason Parker currently serves as assistant chief and interim chief with the Dalton Police Department.

The three candidates will be presented to the full Public Safety Commission on November 27th.  The PSC could make a decision then or decide to have a called meeting in December.