Savannah welcomes new police chief

SAVANNAH, Tenn. — Officer Michael Pitts will officially become the new chief of police Monday in Savannah.

“My ultimate end goal is to leave Savannah better someday when I leave law enforcement than I found it when I started law enforcement,” new Chief of Police Michael Pitts said.

The new chief will work out of the Savannah Police Department, and officials say they went through a long list of qualifications when choosing the man for the job.

“Besides having the credentials as a police officer is communication skills and the ability to exchange your ideas and to also listen,” Savannah City Manager Garry Welch said.

Welch says Pitts’ energetic personality and local experience were two of the main things that made him stand out above the rest.

Pitts previously worked as a Tennessee State Park ranger and a deputy for Hardin County and says he’s excited to bring new ideas to the table.

“I’m probably younger than most police chiefs, and so I’m going to bring a new way of doing things, maybe a new perspective on things,” Pitts said.

Pitts says once he assumes his position as chief, his first step is to get a general overview of the main issues needed to be addressed in Savannah. His main message to the community is that he plans on upholding an open-door policy.

“I encourage them to come by the police department, say hi, bring their problems to me,” Pitts said. “If it’s an issue where law enforcement can help, then we’ll do everything in our power to address it.”