Residents in West Point and Donnellson may notice additional patrols from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office over the next couple of months as the communities transition to a new police chief.
The extra patrol coverage follows the April retirement of former West Point Police Chief Brad Roberts. West Point employs the police chief and shares law enforcement services with Donnellson through a 28E agreement.
City leaders have selected Jackson Jones to succeed Roberts. Jones has previously served as a reserve officer under Roberts and is the grandson of former Lee County Sheriff Buck Jones.
West Point Mayor Gary Peitz said Jones was chosen as the best long-term fit for the city, although he has not yet completed formal police academy training. Because the department currently does not have a certified chief, reserve officers, including Jones and Jeff Abbey, are unable to patrol independently.
Peitz said the city plans to appoint Jones as interim chief while he completes preliminary training and prepares to attend the 16-week police academy this fall.
Lee County Sheriff Elliott Vandenberg confirmed deputies are temporarily providing full-time law enforcement coverage for both communities while Jones works toward academy qualification.
Vandenberg said the sheriff’s office has historically assisted the towns during nights and weekends and is now expanding that support at no additional cost. He added that the sheriff’s office is committed to ensuring residents continue receiving police protection throughout the transition.