CORDELE, Ga. (WALB) — A Cordele Police (CPD) officer was “immediately” relieved of their duties following a misconduct complaint and preliminary investigation, Chief Danny Hicks said Monday, April 6.

The officer’s name was not released. Chief Hicks said that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was requested to investigate the complaint.

According to the Chief’s statement, the officer was on duty when the alleged misconduct occurred.

Read Hicks’ statement in full below:

“I am writing to inform our community of a serious matter involving a member of this department. Recently, my office received a complaint of misconduct regarding one of our officers while they were on duty.

Upon receiving this report, we conducted a preliminary review of the available evidence. Based on the substantiating information gathered during that initial assessment, I have made the decision to immediately relieve the officer of duty pending a full and formal investigation.

To ensure absolute impartiality and a thorough pursuit of the facts, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was promptly contacted to determine whether any criminal conduct occurred.

At this stage, I am unable to share further specific details to avoid compromising the integrity of the ongoing investigation. However, I want to be very clear with the citizens we serve: I take these allegations with the utmost seriousness.

As your Chief, I am committed to transparency and the highest standards of professional conduct. Any betrayal of the community’s trust is unacceptable, and we will continue to hold our personnel accountable to the oath they took to protect and serve."

WALB is working to learn more and will provide updates as they become available. Stay with us.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.