Soperton Hires New Chief of Police

In early December, the City of Soperton appointed Brian Scott as its new Chief of Police. While new to Soperton, Chief Scott is no stranger to the surrounding area, bringing with him over two decades of law enforcement experience.

Chief Scott began his public safety career in 1998 as a communications officer before becoming a Georgiacertified peace officer. The majority of his career was spent in Glynn County, where he served in various capacities within the patrol, criminal investigations, and support services divisions.

Growing up with a father in law enforcement, Scott initially did not envision following the same path. “As a child I, didn’t see myself in this career” Scott explained. “But as a young adult with a continued from page

family to support, I sought stability. What started as a job became a calling.”

Soperton wasn’t on Chief Scott’s radar during his career exploration. He considered opportunities across the country but felt drawn to the small Georgia town after assisting in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. During that time, he worked closely with Mayor John Koon and former Chief of Police Mills. “It was the down-to-earth residents and the community that made me want to be part of Soperton,” Scott shared.

As he steps into his new role, Chief Scott has outlined immediate goals for the Soperton Police Department. “First, I want to establish open communication and transparency,” he said. He plans to achieve this by holding regular meetings with department personnel and community members.

Scott’s second goal is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of department operations. “This includes evaluating current practices, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring our service aligns with industry standards,” he stated, referencing best practices from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Once these foundations are in place, Chief Scott intends to set a clear vision and strategic direction for the department.

Chief Scott’s philosophy on building trust centers on transparency, accountability, and relationship- building within the community. “From the law enforcement side, we must be fair and impartial while fostering community policing efforts. From the community side, it requires open communication and engagement,” he said. “At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: a safe and thriving community.”

Integrity remains Chief Scott’s guiding principle. “Integrity in law enforcement encompasses honesty, fairness, accountability, respect, and courage,” he said. “It’s a standard I uphold daily through recruitment, training, and transparency.” Chief Scott is ready to serve the City of Soperton and build longterm relationships for the betterment of its residents.