Police Chief Finch: A Role Model

MILLARD K. IVES
AMERICUS-SUMTER OBSERVER

MONTEZUMA - Police Chief Eric Finch has garnered a number of accomplishments and accolades during his 21 years in law enforcement, where he has been defined as a proven leader as well as a team player. The Montezuma chief started his law enforcement career with the Dawson Police Department in 1988 and quickly shot through the ranks as a lieutenant. Finch has received Who's Who Among Executives and Professionals (2002-2003 edition) and 100 Men of America.

He led the Montezuma police to state certification and re-certification in 2009, was nominated for Georgia Chief of the Year and serves on the Advisory Board for South Georgia Technical College Law Enforcement Academy and the American Red Cross Board of Directors. He cites his biggest accomplish as sitting on the steering committee in the development of the Middle Flint Regional E- 911 System.

During a break on one of his typical busy days, Finch took a few minutes to chat with the Americus-Sumter Observer.

Q: How did you become interested in law enforcement?

A Yes, I attended Troy University and Columbus State University and those were the best times of my life. However, the reason why I got into Law Enforcement, I guess it was a career that was in my heart. As a child growing up, the only TV shows I liked were detective type shows. I also ways wanted to solve crimes and help people.

Q: You list on your bio that your biggest accomplishment is sitting on the steering committee in the development of the Middle Flint Regional E-911 System. Why?

A: Yes, the E911 Center was a "Big One". Our LECP wanted E911 in Macon County and I wanted it because I wanted to certify my agency and I knew that we wouldn't have the funds to do this by ourselves. We (Macon County) did not have enough telephone lines to get it done. We then contacted Dooly County to see if we could do a joint county project and we still did not have enough telephones. Then we contacted Schley and still didn't have enough lines. We were able to get Middle Flint Regional Development Authority to get on board and they conducted several studies. Meanwhile, at the same time, Sumter County was in the process of getting E911. Therefore, a study was done and the result of that study resulted in us having the largest E911 Center in the Southwest part of the United States serving seven counties and over 70 emergency agencies.

Q How do you describe your policing style?

A I believe in "Community Policing". I believe if we can help you, we will. I believe in taking care of "good people", and I believe in taking care of people who are causing a problem in neighborhoods. In other words, I am a fair Chief and I don't see color. I see right and wrong.