Mike Hunsinger, Athens-Clarke County’s interim police chief tells Grady Newsource he wants a smooth transition as he assumes leadership of his department.  The former chief, R. Scott Freeman, resigned on Thursday.  Hunsinger did not want to comment on his predecessor’s departure.

“We’re going to move forward, we’re not going to look back,” he said. “Our people will still continue to do the same great job they do everyday, and that’s to serve the community.”

As a lifelong Athenian and 30-year veteran of the police department, Hunsinger wants to tackle understaffing and retention which he considers major issues. Hunsinger said both can impact officer safety.