Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Retired Chief E.J. Moody Now Chief of Lithonia P.D.

A former DeKalb County Police chief has left retirement to head the Lithonia Police Department.

The Lithonia City Council has selected Eddie J. Moody as its new police chief. Moody, 58, was the DeKalb County Police chief from 2001-04.

Moody brings 30 years of law enforcement experience to the city, working his way up from a clerk typist in the county’s police department to become the police chief. After retiring from the county in 2004, Moody worked with Altegrity, a commercial provider of background investigations for the federal government, as an account executive and special investigator for several years.

While with DeKalb County, Moody created the Junior Police Academy, which has been recognized by the National Association of Counties and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, established a crime analysis unit, reduced overtime for traffic court cases resulting in savings of more than $1 million, and managed the murder case investigation of Sheriff-Elect Derwin Brown.

“The City of Lithonia is very privileged to have someone like Chief Moody, who has a tremendous level of experience and an impeccable reputation, interested in the position,” said Lithonia Mayor Deborah A. Jackson said. “The Council and I are excited about Chief Moody’s working with the police department to help raise the standards and quality of service provided to the community.

Moody, who started his new position on Dec. 17, was one of 22 applicants for the job. Other applicants included Melvin Douglas, an investigator for the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office and Xavier Todd, who was the acting Lithonia police chief before Moody was selected.

Washington Varnum, the city’s previous acting police chief was relieved of his duties after a 2010 police certification revocation was upheld leaving him with no arrest powers. Varnum, who served as acting police chief since January, replaced former chief Kennis Harrell who suddenly resigned last December after just a year on the job.

“Chief Moody told us he was ready to leave retirement, and we are glad that he wants to work in the community he grew up in,” Jackson said.  

The Champion Newspaper

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Too bad we couldn't have gotten him!

Anonymous said...

Be glad you don't.

Anonymous said...

Is he bringing MPO Donna G. Smith with him?

Anonymous said...

I remember when Lithonia had to lock up their police cars because they didn't have insurance on them. The difference between government and business is, you don't perform in government, the taxpayer pays for your mistakes. In private industry you go out of business. Moody was a good major at DeKalb, hope he enjoys his time at Lithonia, if they can keep their bills paid.

Anonymous said...

Was Moody the Tucker precinct commander about 6 years ago?
KenC

Anonymous said...

@ 10:11 He was a major at South many years ago, mid 90's. I'm old.

Anonymous said...

He was chief before Graham.... he was forced out by VJ because he refused to lie about the reason VJ's security detail was so large. I think he left in 2003...possibly as late as 2005.

His administration had some good ole boy antics but, to his credit... the "goings on" were discreet and not out there for those outside the department to see.

Anonymous said...

Ken, no, he retired as DKPD Chief in 2004...started in 1974 and worked his way up. Took over as Chief in 2001 upon the retirement of Bobby Burgess.

Anonymous said...

Moody was the Chief fired by Vernon because he wouldn't lie to a Grand Jury for Vernon. That was a smart move by Moody. How many of Vernon's buddies have the feds indicted? Was there anyone close to Vernon that wasn't dirty?

Anonymous said...

How many of Vernon's buddies have been indicted by the feds.... NOT ENOUGH!....

Anonymous said...

To Ken C: Moody was Major of East Precinct in Lithonia when I was there in 92, 93 94. When I left that precinct in late 94. he was still in charge. Good man to work for, at least back then. One thing's for sure: he won't put up with the mess that has gone on at Lithonia P D over the past few years. Citizens in Lithonia are darn lucky to have him running their force.

Anonymous said...

Looks like unincorporated dekalb will be getting smaller. Article in the AJC states the city of Decatur will be annexing several areas in north decatur guess that will create a few jobs for anyone still looking to leave whats left of Dekalb.

Anonymous said...

It is good to have the Chief back on duty in Lithonia and maybe 1 day he will resume is original position as Chief of DKPK.

Anonymous said...

Exactly right, good Chiefs don't last long when they don't play the politics, especially in small cities. Hopefully they will leave the Chief along and let him do his job! Unlike Clarkston and those idiots over there that let a good Chief go!

Anonymous said...

Um, yeah, and DeKalb County??? Why did Chief O REALLY leave?

Anonymous said...

Chief O was a figure head who couldn't really do what he wanted to do...I'm assuming he did what he could...then threw up his hands in frustration... after that... lock in his pension at chief's pay and hit the road.... life is short... spend it with family instead of DKPD

Anonymous said...

They couldn't have gotten a better man. I was one of his training officers in 1973 at DKPD.
Keep up the good work, my Friend!