Why a Georgia town’s entire police force was fired and rehired

COHUTTA, Ga. – The Cohutta City Council moved to reinstate the town’s entire police force Friday night after Mayor Ron Shinnick abruptly dissolved the department earlier this week.

Cohutta police force reinstatement

What we all know:

The emergency assembly was referred to as after the police division was dissolved, and all police officers had been fired Wednesday.

Residents pack an emergency assembly Cohutta City Council to weigh-in on Mayor Ron Shinnick’s abruptly dissolving the police division earlier this week in Whitfield County on May 8, 2026. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

Residents within the city of 850 folks say tensions have escalated for the reason that mayor’s spouse, Pam Shinnick, misplaced her job as city clerk earlier this yr.

The officers filed formal complaints alleging she maintained unauthorized entry to payroll and personnel data after her termination.

City council authorized findings

What we do not know:

The council has not supplied a particular timeline for once they may revisit the request for the mayor’s resignation.

Mayor Ron Shinnick attends an emergency assembly Cohutta City Council over the sooner abrupt dissolving on the police division on May 8, 2026. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

Local legislation enforcement transition

What’s subsequent:

The metropolis legal professional is working with the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office to transition legislation enforcement duties again to the native officers as quickly as doable.

A discover on the wall publicizes the abrupt dissolution of the police division in Cohutta on May 8, 2026. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

The sheriff’s workplace had quickly assumed jurisdiction over the city whereas the division was disbanded.

While the police force returns to obligation, the council indefinitely tabled a dialogue relating to the potential resignation of Mayor Ron Shinnick.

Community and council response

What they’re saying:

“We don’t believe they were legally disbanded, and we’re going to reinstate them immediately,” mentioned Vice Mayor Shane Kornberg.

Empty police vehicles sit exterior City Hall following the dissolving of the police division in Cohutta on May 8, 2026. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

Resident Greg Hasty added that the council’s determination “is a start to get our police department back.”

Major Shinnick, who denied the firing was retaliatory, voluntarily left the assembly after the chief session.