The Chatham County District Attorney’s office is forming a civilian review board where county residents can evaluate complaints about the multiple law enforcement agencies in Georgia’s fifth-largest county.
The announcement follows a decision by Savannah Police Department Chief Lenny Gunther that he would be expanding his department’s Use of Force Review Committee to include three civilians — one faith leader and two representatives appointed by City Council.
Both developments follow a string of incidents by Savannah police during arrests — one in June 2024 and one in May 2024 — where arresting officers were accused of using excessive force, and come at a time when Savannah police leaders are struggling to build trust in diverse communities.
Chatham District Attorney Shalena Jones said her office’s review board was “independent” and designed for citizens to submit complaints to a body “that’s not selected or paid by or chosen by the city or the mayor.” As well, citizens would also be able to submit commendations of officers if they had a good experience. Chatham has five municipal police forces, the county police and school police and the review board would encompass all of these…