Jason Jones is Pierre's new Police Chief. He will officially assume the role on Friday, March 16. Jones has been a member of the Pierre Police force for 17 years and currently serves as the department's Administrative Captain.
"I'm very pleased to welcome Captain Jones into this new role," said Pierre Mayor Steve Harding. "Jones has come through the ranks -proving himself to be a very capable leader, a strong administrator, adept at community relations. I look forward to seeing him excel as Chief."
Jones began his career with the Pierre Police Department in 2000 and was selected as a Field Training Officer in 2003. Since then he's served as a Motor Officer Trainer, a member and team leader of the Central South Dakota SWAT team, a sergeant within the Patrol Division, and most recently as the Administrative Captain.
"Chief Panzer set an excellent example for all of us who worked for him, and I am very thankful for the training and guidance he provided throughout the last 17 years," said Captain Jones. "I have a great team, and I'm very much looking forward to this role."
As Chief, Jones will serve on the City's senior staff team directing all police department operations and administration including a regional 911 dispatch center. The Pierre Police Department has 45 employees who are responsible for ensuring the safety of the Pierre community.
Jones holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of South Dakota.