Canton Police Hires Wendell Turner As New Captain

Wendell B. Turner, Jr.

 On September 14, 2015, the City of Statesboro, Ga., Director of Public Safety, Mr. Wendell B. Turner, Jr., accepted an offer of employment to be the Police Department’s Captain in command of the Support Services Bureau where he is slated to begin his tenure on October 21, 2015.  Mr. Turner, a twenty (22) year law enforcement veteran, began his career with the Statesboro Police Department in 1993 as a uniformed patrol officer.  He was quickly promoted through the ranks attaining positions in the Patrol Bureau as an Advanced Patrol Officer, Investigative Bureau as Detective, Professional Standards and Training Division Commander as Lieutenant, Support Services Division Commander as Lieutenant and later Captain, and Patrol Bureau Commander as Captain.   

Wendell Turner also progressed in a tactical capacity as an Emergency Response Team (ERT) member, ERT Team Leader and ERT Team Commander.  In 2010, he was appointed by the Statesboro City Manager to the newly created position of Director of Public Safety.  The position is the Department Head for the Police and Fire Departments and his overall responsibilities included the administration, operations, personnel management, fiscal preparations and responsibilities of each department.  

Mr. Turner holds several Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) Certifications to include:  Basic LE Certification, Senior Training Instructor Certification, Managerial Certification and Executive Certification.  He is a Certified General Law Enforcement Instructor and holds current specializations in Firearms and Defensive Tactics.  He is also certified to instruct in the area of ASP Expandable Baton and holds past certifications in Taser, Pressure Point Control Tactics, Distraction Devices, Less Lethal Munitions, Chemical Munitions and FN 303 Less Lethal Weapon.  He has been an adjunct instructor for Ogeechee Technical College and the Southeast Georgia Regional Police Academy. Over the past three years, he has taught upper level Justice Studies classes at Georgia Southern University as a part-time faculty member, and continues to do so currently.  He also holds his State of Georgia Registered Volunteer Firefighter Certification.

Wendell Turner has over 3,000 hours of Advanced Law Enforcement training to his credit and also holds several current and past professional memberships and board appointments to include: FBINAA Georgia Chapter, Peace Officers Association of GA,  National Tactical Officers Association, Law Enforcement Control Board Member Southeast Georgia Regional Police Academy and OTC Police Academy,  FBINAA GA Chapter Area 4 Representative (2010-2014), Board Member Bulloch County Habitat for Humanity (past member), Board Member American Red Cross (past member), Georgia Law Enforcement Association of Firearms Instructors (past member) and Georgia Association of Internal Affairs Investigators (past member), and Rotary International Member Statesboro, GA (past member).

In addition, Wendell Turner has been recognized for several professional achievements throughout his career to include: Departmental Accommodations, Several Departmental Top Gun Awards, Supervisor of the Year, FBINA Fitness Excellence Award and a prestigious FBI Appreciation Certificate awarded by former FBI Director Mueller. 

Furthermore, he considers himself extremely fortunate having graduated the 213th Session of the FBI National Academy Program in Quantico, VA, the 23rd Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Command College and the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Professional Management Program. He obtained his BS Degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia Southern University (2004) and his MPA Degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University (2006).

Wendell Turner is the proud father of two (2) daughters; Chandler (15) and Devyn (18).

Canton Police Department Chief of Police Mark J. Mitchell stated, “I strongly feel that Mr. Turner will be an exceptional addition to the Command Staff of our organization.  He has shown throughout his outstanding career that he has the leadership qualities, work ethic, integrity, character, and community mindset that we need in this agency.  The aforementioned traits, skills and experience he has developed throughout his career will not only enhance the support of our Officers but will also strengthen our service to the community.”

Wendell Turner will be officially sworn in as Captain on Thursday, October 15, 2015, at 11:00 am in the City Council Chambers and then recognized for his new position on the same date at 6:00 pm., before the Council Meeting.