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The city of Austell has formally selected Orrin Scott Hamilton as the new Chief of Police.

Orrin Hamilton’s career with the Cobb County Police Department spans over two decades, including six years as a Commander. The Cordele, Georgia native holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education, as well as a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice. He began his career as a Police Officer in November 1995, where he quickly recognized his passion for serving.

After being promoted to Sergeant on the DUI Task Force, upward mobility became the name of the game. He would go on to hold several high-ranking positions, including Commander of the Criminal Investigations Unit from 2010 to 2016, and managing the Special Operations Unit from 2016 to 2019. Hamilton began serving as Interim Chief of Police in 2019 (Cobb County Police Department), following the retirement of former Chief of Police Tim Cox, with his most recent appointment to the Chief of Police for the City of Austell.

While most of his time has been spent within Cobb County law enforcement, he understands the importance of being an intuitive member of his community. He is Chairman of the Cobb Police Athletic League (PAL), a non-profit organization that utilizes sports and mentorship as a tool in juvenile crime prevention.

“My vision for the City of Austell Police Department is to ensure our department is reflective of the community we serve. Community engagement and involvement is important to the mission“, Hamilton says.

Hamilton assumes command as the first African American Chief of Police within Cobb County on August 29, 2022. An official press conference coordinated by the Mayor of Austell will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022 at 7pm. Located at: Threadmill Complex (5000 Austell Powder Springs Rd. Austell, GA 30106).  All media should contact PRTeam@epimediagroup.com or 678-575-9104 to confirm attendance.

About Chief Orrin S. Hamilton

Chief Scott Hamilton began his Law Enforcement career with the Cobb County Police Department (CCPD) in November 1995 as a uniform patrol officer in Precinct Three. During his tenure with CCPD he earned the opportunity to serve in several assignments.

During his twenty-six plus years of service he led in various roles: Field Training Officer, DUI Task Force (Sergeant), MCS Cobra Narcotics Team (Corporal), DPS Training Unit (Sergeant), Criminal Investigations (Sergeant and Lieutenant), Special Operations Commander which he managed Traffic Services, K-9 Unit, DUI TF, Mobile Field Force, EOD, DIVE Team, TFO, Honor Guard, and Special Events.

As Deputy Chief of Police, he led the Support and Administration Command which includes Permits, Evidence & Property, CALEA, Records and Fleet Units. He affectionately refers to these units as the spinal cord of the department because of the responsibilities of each unit and the services that they provide to patrol officers and citizens.

Chief Hamilton is a strong believer in building relationships with the community. Chief Hamilton led the Cobb Police Athletic League (PAL) as the Board’s Chairman for three years, which allowed him to empower Program Coordinators to impact the lives of youth through Camp Programs and person to person mentorship.

Chief Hamilton is a strong advocate of professional development and encourages his employees to attend trainings. Chief Hamilton has successfully completed the Georgia Chief of Police Executive Training, the Georgia Law Enforcement Professional Management Program, Supervisory Development Program sponsored by the Cobb County Manager, and Supervision & Management I, II, and III. In addition to his specialized training, he is a member of the Georgia Association of Chief of Police (GACP), the International Association of Chief of Police (IACP), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE), Leadership of Police Organizations IACP, and the Honorary Commanders Alumni.

Hamilton earned a Bachelor of Science in Health/Physical Education from the University of The Cumberlands (Williamsburg, KY) and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Critical Incident Management from Saint Leo University. He is a 2018 graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police and Command.

Hamilton and his wife, Karsandra have been together for 32 years. They have three children and two grandchildren.