“Unclean Process” Alleged in Cobb Police Chief Selection, Citizens Raise Real Questions and Concerns

Concerns are mounting among residents and community leaders over what many describe as an “unclean and politically influenced process” in the recent recommendation of Cobb County’s next Police Chief.

While County Manager Jackie McMorris and Chairwoman Lisa Cupid have framed the recommendation of James Ferrell as a step forward, questions are emerging about how the decision was made—and whether it truly reflected fairness, transparency, and the best interests of both the department and the citizens of Cobb County.

Observers familiar with the internal proceedings say the search appeared tainted by favoritism and political maneuvering from the outset. The selection committee’s deliberations reportedly lacked the openness expected for such a critical public safety position, leaving many in the community and within the department itself questioning whether the outcome was predetermined.

Cobb’s initial recruitment process for this top law enforcement position —was open for only two weeks, yielding a limited pool of candidates, including former Deputy Chief Orrin Hamilton. The county later reopened the process—at which point Ferrell and Deputy Chief Ben Cohen entered the conversation. According to multiple sources, Ferrell was not interested in the role and allegedly pressured by those in leadership to apply. It is important to note that Ferrell and Cohen both previously served under Hamilton, and both reported directly to him while he was Deputy Chief.

When the review process concluded, the final list consisted of Ferrell, Cohen, and Erika Shields, Cupid’s reported pick as the next Chief.

Hamilton, despite his strong credentials, never received a second interview. So much for Cupid’s “ridiculous” claim for diversity in Cobb. Also notable are the differences in qualifications: Hamilton is a college graduate with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, while Ferrell does not hold a college degree. McMorris said in her statement that Ferrell is expected to complete his degree in 2026. LinkedIn pages for Cohen and Shield reflect that both earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Shields’ role as Chief in Atlanta and Louisville have been previously discussed, which raised concerns for many.

Also apparent are the racial optics of the process, which cannot be ignored. Many in the community are questioning the sidelining of Hamilton, a highly qualified Black candidate who was never granted a second interview, in favor of Shields and Hamilton’s former subordinates. The decision is being viewed by some as a troubling reflection of Cobb County’s ongoing struggles with equity, transparency, and accountability in leadership.

Residents have raised concerns about the absence of Public Safety Director Michael Register in this process, saying that his perspective and leadership are critically needed at this stage.

Cupid abruptly canceled a planned press conference with the media on Monday—allegedly citing scheduling conflicts—without offering a new date for rescheduling. Those close to the process suggest that “other matters” are brewing including the existence of some undisclosed internal personnel matters, which they say could disrupt the entire process. Those close to the matter suggest that this is what reportedly prompted Cupid’s abrupt press conference cancellation, but the media and public will never know.

Critics argue that Cupid has blurred the lines between leadership and political ambition, using key appointments—including the police chief role—to consolidate influence rather than strengthen the integrity and performance of county operations. They also say Cupid talks a good game about diversity in Cobb, but when it comes down to it, she believes in the diversity of one—herself.

This latest controversy adds to a growing pattern of questionable decision-making under Cupid that continues to erode public confidence in Cobb’s leadership. Citizens say we cannot ignore the years of governance of Cobb under an illegal map and where is Attorney General Chris Carr when you need him? They say he took care of matters related to the Clerk of Superior Court and that he needs to now turn his attention to the laws that were broken with the illegal Cupid map.

Everyone we talked to says that the next police chief should be selected based on merit, integrity, and a demonstrated commitment to public trust—not backroom politics, personal alliances, or the appearance of bias.

For the sake of transparency and good governance, Cobb County and Cupid owe Cobb citizens a full, detailed account of how this decision was reached. Anything less will continue to undermine public confidence and the trust of the officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect this community. If Ferrell is the next Cobb Chief, Cupid should be willing to come clean and say so.

Cupid needs to clear her calendar and reschedule the press conference—now, not later. Cobb citizens deserve accountability and transparency in their government, and that demand starts today.