Following his graduation from the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in 2008, Bertram Whitley served over 3 years with the Thunderbolt Police Department (GA). Since joining our team in January 2012, he has filled a variety of roles, including patrol officer, shift supervisor, detective, and Criminal Investigations Division Supervisor. In 2023, he was officially selected to serve as our Assistant Chief of Police.

During his tenure, Assistant Chief Whitley has focused his attention on a wide variety of issues faced by modern law enforcement agencies, including political management, leadership, and media relations. He was also instrumental in launching TIPD’s drone program, which has greatly increased the agency’s capabilities while searching for missing persons, responding to natural disasters, and planning for large-scale events.

Among his many achievements, Assistant Chief Whitley is a graduate of Columbus State University’s Command College and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Administration. He has also successfully completed the challenging Senior Management Institute for Police, which was held at Boston University School of Law.