Since its chartering in 1885, the City of Austell has grown with a strong sense of community, reflecting its long-standing history and resilience. Named after General Alfred Austell for his contributions to southern railways, the city's origins highlight its importance in regional development. The Austell Police Department has consistently played a vital role in ensuring public safety, reinforcing the community's sense of security and trust.

The city was established with the appointment of a mayor, council, and a marshal. With a population under 1000, the marshal was responsible for all law enforcement needs.

As the city began to expand, the Austell Police Department grew to accommodate the city’s increased enforcement needs. However, the city’s population did not earnestly begin to expand until the 1940’s, so the department remained a small, locally focused force, consisting of a handful of officers tasked with maintaining law and order in a small community. 

As Austell grew, particularly in the mid-20th century post-World War II era, the police department expanded its services and workforce to accommodate the increasing population and urban development. Like many small-town police departments in the United States, the Austell Police Department saw a shift towards professionalization during this period, with formal training for officers and the adoption of modern policing techniques. 

In recent decades, the Austell Police Department has undergone significant modernization, incorporating advanced technology, modern equipment, and updated policing methods. This includes the adoption of computer-aided dispatch systems, in-car and body-worn cameras, and other technological advancements. 

The department has also embraced community policing strategies, focusing on building relationships with residents and businesses to foster trust and cooperation. This approach aims to prevent crime through community engagement, education, and other proactive measures rather than solely relying on enforcement options. 

The Austell Police Department, like many law enforcement agencies, faces ongoing challenges such as adapting to new laws and regulations, addressing issues related to crime and public safety, and managing community relations in a diverse and evolving population. 

In June of 2025, S. J. Harrell was appointed as the Austell Police Department’s Chief of Police, making her the first female Chief of Police in Cobb County.  She plays a pivotal role in setting direction and priorities for the department. Leadership changes can bring new initiatives and reforms aimed at improving the department's effectiveness and community relations. 

In 2026, the Austell Police Department achieved State Certification through the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and is pursuing other forms of accreditation to ensure its operations meet the highest standards of law enforcement practices. 

The Austell Police Department is currently developing a specialized traffic unit focused on traffic enforcement, drug interdiction, and the serving of warrants. The department also hosts a citizen’s academy to help bridge the gap between the community and the police so that they have a working knowledge of the role of law enforcement in their community and how they can assist law enforcement in their endeavor to keep the community safe. 

The Austell Police Department has established a community engagement unit that participates in many programs aimed at community engagement. Annually, the department hosts events such as Popsicles with the Police, National Night Out, and Shop with a Cop, as well as many other community pop-up events. The department is dedicated to ongoing efforts to engage with the community through public meetings, social media, and other forms of communication, because we believe they are essential to the Austell Police Department’s mission of serving and protecting our community.