By Steven Thomas
The Valley Times-News

WEST POINT — For the past several months, the city of West Point has been looking for a new police chief but that search might soon come to an end.

In a statement released from the office of City Manager Ed Moon, the city has narrowed down its list to one candidate, Donald V. Britt.

According to the statement, Britt was chosen as the front runner from three finalists who were interviewed by the mayor, council and city manager in a closed session.

The city contracted with the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, which provided the initial screening of 18 candidates. Selected applicants went through a testing process before the finalists were determined.

In a phone interview, Mayor Steve Tramell said he was happy with the way the process worked out.

“We interviewed three great candidates,” Tramell said, noting Britt was only the top candidate and has not accepted any position yet.

According to the statement, Britt has 27 years of experience in law enforcement with 2,700 plus hours of law enforcement training. 

He began his career as a patrol officer with the city of Griffin Police Department. He moved up to captain of the criminal investigation division, internal affairs representative and was a member of the uniform patrol community-oriented policing unit. 

Britt has a master’s degree in public administration with a major in Justice Administration from Columbus State University. His training includes Georgia Chief of Police Executive Training Course, FBI – Georgia law enforcement development, and school resource officer training. He is P.O.S.T., intermediate, advanced, supervisory and management certified.

West Point has been searching since last September when previous Police Chief Tony Bailey left to become police chief of Powder Springs.

Multiple attempts to contact the Griffin Police Department were unsuccessful in an effort to confirm Britt’s current employment.