Watts appointed city’s first police chief

GLUCKSTADT — A new police chief was announced Tuesday night, the third major hire, as this new city continues to take shape.

Wendell Watts, who began his law enforcement career with the Jackson Police Department 30 years ago, was hired Tuesday night.

Watts is currently a watch commander with the Madison Police Department.

“The city of Gluckstadt is pleased to announce that Commander Wendell Watts will be its first police chief,” Mayor Walter Morrison said.

The city board made the decision to hire Watts on Feb. 15 after a hiring process that started last year.

Watts said that he is “honored and excited” to be chosen for the position. He said that starting a new police department was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“As the chief, I plan on partnering with our community, and will be dedicated to preventing and controlling crime and preserving the quality of life in Gluckstadt through firm, fair, and impartial law enforcement strategies,” Watts said. 

He went on to say that public trust and professionalism will be top priorities for his administration.

“Ultimately, we will be judged not just on the reduction of crime but also on how well we hold fast to our values and principles,” Watts said. 

“Commander Watts has an impressive resume with an extensive background in law enforcement,” Morrison said. “But it is also important to note that he has a heart for community service; the attribute of helping others was instilled in him at an early age.”

Morrison said the city received close to 40 resumes for the position. 

”There were several exceptional candidates who were carefully considered for this significant role,” Morrison said. “We would like to thank each person who applied.” 

Gluckstadt officials have discussed hiring a police chief since their first official meeting after the city was incorporated last June. 

This marks the second official hire the board has made since the hired City Clerk Lindsey Kellum in early October of 2021. Building Official Jeff Williamson is an independent contractor.

In the fall of 2021, the Board of Aldermen appointed members of a hiring committee comprised of members with extensive law enforcement experience and leaders within the community. 

Candidates were vetted, and numerous rounds of interviews were conducted by a panel consisting of the Mayor, Aldermen, and members of the hiring committee. 

Watts was extended an offer of employment after a unanimous vote by the board.

He is Director of Security for a large security unit at Merit Health Central, overseeing 32 officers and staff. 

He began his law enforcement career with the city of Jackson Police Department in 1992 and has served as Precinct Officer, Gun Interdiction Unit Officer, K-9 Narcotics Officer, Precinct Sergeant, Detective Sergeant and Commander for the Special Operations Division. 

After a 20 year career with JPD, Watts became a Captain in the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department overseeing the Training Academy and Reserve Unit. At that time he had 105 deputies under his command. 

Watts received his Criminal Justice degree from Hinds Community College and holds advanced education certificates in Crime Scene Technical Training, Undercover Narcotics, Accident Investigation, Active Shooter, Criminal Interdiction Patrol, Homicide Investigation, Investigative Techniques, Canine Handling, Patrol and Evidence Collection, Basic Kinesics Interviewing Techniques, ATF Gun Training, Crisis Prevention, Disaster Response and Supervisory Training.

Watts is married to Michelle Renee, a registered nurse. He has three grown children; Austin Kyle, Brandon Everette and Kelsey Morgan.

He is an active member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Jackson, where his father faithfully served as a Minister for 21 years.

The Gluckstadt community includes residents, businesses, faith-based community leaders and other government agencies that make the city a safe and vibrant place to live, work, and visit, Watts said. 

“Once sworn in, some of my immediate priorities will be establishing the Department’s policies and procedures,” Watts said. “Working with City leaders on the budget, establishing police beats within the city limits, hiring of police and civilian personnel, purchasing and designing the Gluckstadt police vehicles and police uniforms, and getting to know the business owners and residential associations. I am looking forward to getting started.”