Chief of Police

Jason Griffin 

In December 2023, Jason Griffin became Milton’s Police Chief – the first person to rise from within the department to that role in the City’s history.

Griffin has been a law enforcement professional for two decades, having begun his career with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. After several years as a Patrol Deputy and K-9 handler, he spent most of his time in and around Covington in the Criminal Investigations Division.

The Georgia native joined the Milton Police Department in 2011, about four years after the City’s incorporation, as a Detective assigned to a DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) taskforce. Griffin climbed the ranks – to Sergeant, then Lieutenant, then Captain – and assumed a wide variety of roles. These included being training coordinator, Criminal Investigations Commander, Uniform Patrol Commander, and Support Services Commander.

In addition to extensive time in the field, Griffin also brings impressive academic and professional credentials to his new job. Already a graduate of Reinhardt University with a degree in Organizational Management and Leadership, he’s currently enrolled at Columbus State University, where he is scheduled to earn his Master’s degree in Public Safety Administration next fall. Griffin also completed a 22-week Northwestern University School for Police Staff and Command program and holds multiple law enforcement certifications, having amassed several thousand hours of pertinent training throughout his career. 

He lives in Cherokee County with his wife and three children.

Deputy Chief

Chris Ward

A native of North Fulton, Ward joined the Milton Police Department a few years after its creation. He has been part of the Uniform Patrol Division as an FTO, K9 Handler, Shift Sergeant, and Watch Commander. Ward has served in numerous other roles as well, including as the Department's training coordinator, FTO coordinator, criminal investigations lieutenant, and community outreach sergeant. In addition, he's been the program manager for the Department's officer peer support and resiliency program.

Ward also has regional law enforcement experience, such as his 13 years on the North Fulton SWAT team as an entry operator, team leader, and most recently as an assistant commander.

Ward earned his Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Reinhardt University as well as a Master’s degree in Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University.  He also graduated from Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command and has earned the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award. In addition, Ward served his country in the United States Marine Corps.