Cobb Commissioners To Vote On Police Chief Candidate

MARIETTA, GA -- Cobb County is in the hunt for a new police chief, and a leading candidate comes from another metro Atlanta county and is being recommended by the interim county manager. Cobb's Board of Commissioners will vote to consider Michael Register, who is Clayton County's top cop, at its June 13 meeting.

Interim County Manager Rob Hosack has referred Register, who is one of five finalists for the position. The Cobb police chief position became vacant when Chief John Houser retired in January after 35 years.

“Chief Register will be an excellent leader for our outstanding men and women in uniform,” Public Safety Director Sam Heaton said in a statement. “He is a decorated officer, veteran and brings a wealth of education, knowledge and expertise, including almost 20 years with the Cobb County Police Department.”

Register, who has more than 30 years of supervisory law enforcement experience, oversees a $40 million budget in Clayton. He is also a veteran of the Army Special Forces, where he served for 22 years, including combat operations in Afghanistan.

In addition to being an an adjunct professor at Columbus State, he is working on his doctoral dissertation in public administration and policy, with an emphasis in terrorism and conflict analysis and resolution.

Image via Cobb PD