HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – As the Hopkinsville Police Department prepares to undergo major changes in leadership, it now falls on Mayor James R. Knight to choose who will serve as interim chief of police. In light of these anticipated changes, residents are publicly backing one individual to temporarily fill the shoes of Chief Jason Newby.
The Hopkinsville City Council revised their agenda prior to Tuesday’s meeting, permitting councilmembers to meet in closed session for unspecified personnel discussion at the end of the meeting. Earlier in the day, Hopkinsville Police Chief Newby announced that he will be resigning his position on Oct. 11, with Deputy Chief Erick Pacheco also set to step down the same day.
“Transitions in leadership are a natural part of any organization, and our priority now is ensuring the Hopkinsville Police Department continues moving forward without interruption,” said Mayor Knight in a news release. “We have an outstanding team of officers and leaders within HPD, and I have every confidence in their ability to continue providing the level of service and protection our community expects.”
Residents speak at city council meeting, no decision made
A few hours before the Sept. 15 meeting, the City of Hopkinsville shared a news release explaining that Mayor Knight would be responsible for choosing an interim chief, and the new mayor elect will select who will fill the position permanently when they are sworn into office later this year after the November election.
The city clarified that the interim appointment will be formalized through an executive order and will be subject to city council approval. Due to the timing of these announcements and the addition of the closed session agenda item, residents packed the council chambers at the meeting to specifically endorse HPD’s Major Michael Atkins to be interim chief under the assumption that a decision would be made during closed session.
“We have an opportunity to hire the first black police chief in the community…it’s a defining moment for our community,” said one individual to the council. A total of six residents spoke during public comments in favor of promoting Atkins for the interim position, with another resident describing him as “the only right choice.”
At the conclusion of the agenda, councilmembers entered closed session for a full hour for the confidential personnel discussion. No action was taken during closed session, and no vote took place before adjournment of the meeting.
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