City of Gaffney hires Gerald Knight as new Police Chief (2024)

GAFFNEY, S.C. (WSPA) – The City of Gaffney has hired a new Police Chief.

Gerald Knight, 51, was voted by the Gaffney City Council to be hired as the next City of Gaffney Police Chief. He will begin his duties on June 10th, 2021.

“I’m just getting excited and looking forward to it,” said New Gaffney Police Chief, Gerald Knight.

Knight started his career with the Prince George County Police Department in Prince George County, Maryland, where he held many ranks and positions. After 23 years in early 2021, he retired from the department and moved to Spartanburg County and was hired as a Campus Safety Officer with Wofford College, according to City of Gaffney officials.

Knight is married and has two kids. His wife is a school administrator.

“Everyone seems like they’re ready and excited to move forward and do the work we need to do to make our city the best that it can be,” said Councilwoman Stephanie Smith with Gaffney City Council.

He was one of 30 applicants that applied for the position and was one of 10 that interviewed for the position.

“What I would like to do is put an internal affairs division in the police department so that we have a group of officers assigned to investigating day in and day out, the actions of police officers,” Knight told 7 News.

According to City of Gaffney, he has coached youth for many years and believes youth need role models. He wants to instill that officers are there to do a job but that they are also there to be a friend. Knight wants officers of the Gaffney Police Department to know the people in the community, and he wants members of the community to know the officers.

“If you see me walking around, stop and say hello. We’re going to have an open-door policy at the Gaffney Police Department,” Knight said.

Mayor Dr. Randy Moss stated he would like to welcome Mr. Knight to Gaffney and that he looks forward to working with him and the Gaffney Police Officers. He further stated that the Mayor’s office is always open. Police Chair Councilman Kim Phillips said that he welcomes Mr. Knight to Gaffney with open arms and is also looking forward to working with him. The Mayor, Council, and administration are pleased to have Mr. Knight as the next Police Chief of the City of Gaffney.