Assistant Memphis Police chief lives in Georgia: MPD

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The assistant chief of the Memphis Police Department lives in Georgia, MPD says.

Shawn Jones, Deputy Director of Police Services, retired from the Atlanta Police Department in 2016 and joined MPD in September 2021. His current salary is $177,768 a year.

Memphis Police confirmed Tuesday that Jones’ primary residence is still in Georgia. They did not specify whether he has a house in Memphis or how much time Jones spends in Memphis versus another state.

“Tennessee state law does not permit restrictions on the residency of first responders,” Lt. Louis C. Brownlee said in an email to WREG on Tuesday.

That state law passed in March 2022. Prior to the law going into effect, MPD officers were required to live in Shelby County.

Local law enforcement officials supported the change to increase the number of officers.

Atlanta is nearly seven hours away from Memphis by vehicle, or an hour and 15 minutes by airplane.

WREG has asked for a response from Police Chief C.J. Davis.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.