MARIETTA, GA — A new top cop may soon be at the helm of the Marietta Police Department if City Manager Bill Bruton, Jr. has his way. Bruton announced his backing for interim Chief David Beam to permanently take up the chief's mantle, a decision that now waits for the City Council's green light. According to an announcement posted on Marietta's official website, Beam has been the interim head since January and looks to solidify his role after a fruitful tenure within the department.
Beam is not unaccustomed to the role, having already navigated the interim chief waters back in 2006-2007. A veteran with the department since '86 and its Deputy Chief since '99, Beam's resume was likely difficult to beat. Nevertheless, the city claimed to have conducted a thorough search to fill the post, including deep-dive background checks and a panel interview process. Bruton seems to confidently believe that Beam should continue to lead, and it's now up to the City Council to decide if they will, to split the infinitive, also choose to firmly back his appointment.
Police leadership in the city doesn't switch hats very often. Beam stepped into the interim spot following former Chief Marty Ferrell's retirement at the end of last year. His reign over every department corner since being on the force ostensibly gave him the upper hand in a search that zeroed in on finding the right person to protect and serve Marietta's community.
The City Council won't just take Bruton's recommendation and run with it, though. Due diligence in the form of a 14-day public notice is required by state law before they can cast their votes. This puts the awaited decision at a Special Called Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 2024. If Beam's appointment is approved, he'll need to quickly transition to fully grasp the chief's duties and, to split another infinitive, fully take over a department that continues to weather the demands of policing in today's complex social landscape.
