Assistant Chief Ronnie L. Abernathy

Assistant Chief Abernathy serves as the Commander of the Support Services Bureau.

Assistant Chief Abernathy began his career in 1981 as a Public Safety Officer and was promoted through the ranks to Assistant Police Chief in March of 2004. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University and a Master of Arts in Public Affairs from Appalachian State University.

Assistant Chief Abernathy emphasizes Compstat (Comparative Statistics and Crime Mapping) as a crime reduction strategy. Crime reduction requires timely and accurate information, rapid deployment of personnel and resources, effective crime control strategies and tactics, and relentless follow-up. We must place the appropriate resources in the right location, time and manner in order to have the greatest impact. We know that successful crime fighting is based on knowing who the criminals are and when, where and how they operate.

Assistant Chief Abernathy believes in solving community problems rather than just reacting to them. Community policing which emphasizes problem solving is a better, smarter, and more cost effective way of doing business than traditional policing. The values of community policing, including problem solving, partnerships and customer service must continue to drive the agency.