The City of Avondale Estates has named Harry Hess as the next chief of police. Hess will take over the leadership role of the city’s police department on April 26, 2022.

“Harry Hess not only brings a wealth of experience to the city, but he has the personality to connect with the community,” said City Manager Patrick Bryant. “I believe Harry is the person to lead the department into the future and strengthen the trust our residents and neighboring communities have with our police department.”

Harry Hess started his law enforcement career in 2004 with the City of Doraville Police Department as a jailer. In 2005 he was transferred to the uniform patrol division.   

In 2008 Hess went to the City of Morrow Police Department where he was a field training officer, a member of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety HEAT unit as a master patrol officer and grant coordinator. In May of 2010 Hess was promoted to sergeant and transferred back to the patrol division until 2011 when he took over the newly created office of professional standards which oversaw training, evidence, state certification, recruitment and hiring.

In 2017 Hess accepted a position as the state certification manager and training manager with the Clarkston Police Department and was appointed to Assistant Chief of Police in 2019.

Hess’ Georgia POST certifications include:

• Intermediate, Supervisory and Management Certifications
• Field Training Officer and Departmental Training Officer Certifications
• General, Firearms, Defensive Tactics and Master Resiliency Instructor Certifications

Hess graduated with honors from American Military University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.  Additionally, Hess completed the Southern Police Institute’s twelve-week Administrative Officers Course at the University of Louisville where he was elected class president.

“I am excited to join the City of Avondale Estates Police Department and take what I have learned from numerous mentors to grow the police department through the best practices of modern policing,” said Hess. “I believe the police department will be an example for other small agencies through community relations and fair and impartial policing.”

The city conducted a national search for an experienced law enforcement professional with the assistance of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police.