Police Chief Stoney Mathis to Resign by End of 2026

Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis plans to step down from his post after leading the department for three years.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a municipal building facade, evoking the solemnity of institutional police leadership. — Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis announced he will resign from his position at the end of 2026 after three years leading the department. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis will resign from his position at the end of 2026. The chief intends to spend more time with his family after a three-year tenure leading the department.

Why it matters

Mathis aims to prioritize personal time after a career spanning three decades. His decision comes after focusing heavily on recruitment and morale to stabilize the department.

Mathis has served in law enforcement for 34 years since graduating from the police academy in 1992. His leadership addressed a deficit of 200 officers who left the Columbus Police Department prior to his arrival.

The players

Stoney Mathis

He is the current Columbus Police Chief and author of the book Leadership within the Thin Blue Line: Caring Enough to Win.

Columbus Police Department

It is the law enforcement agency serving the second-largest city in Georgia that was recently recognized for its accomplishments.

The details

During his tenure, Mathis created a community policing unit to improve department outcomes and prioritized recruitment and community resource engagement. His leadership efforts were recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

1992: Stoney Mathis graduated from the police academy.
2023: Stoney Mathis was named Chief of Police in Columbus.
End of 2026: Stoney Mathis will resign as Columbus Police Chief.

Legal Context

This transition marks the conclusion of a leadership term established by the 2023 appointment of Stoney Mathis as Columbus Police Chief. The department is now looking toward a new phase of command following these three years of structural reorganization.

Residents may see changes in department management and community outreach priorities as the city begins its search for a successor. The focus remains on maintaining the stability achieved during the ongoing recruitment and retention efforts.

The takeaway

Mathis leaves behind a department that has focused on addressing staffing shortages through improved community engagement. Local stakeholders should monitor upcoming city announcements regarding the formal transition process.