Sandersville approves engineering contract for new police department as resident urges internal probe

The Sandersville City Council on Jan. 20 approved a contract for engineering services for a new police department and heard a public comment urging an internal investigation of the Police Department; City Manager Kandice Hartley said the matter has been referred to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Earlier in the working session Police Chief Vic Cuyler reviewed the department’s 2025 statistics — 1,719 incidents including 1,017 warnings, 34 DUI arrests, 104 arrests total and 218 crashes — and noted the department recorded 2,057 training hours and launched a Traffic Division. Chief Cuyler also reviewed agenda items including the proposed Toomsboro animal control arrangement and the police engineering bid.

At the regular meeting Council Member Ben Salter moved to award the engineering bid for the new police department to GMC Engineering; Council Member Deborah Brown seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The minutes record the council’s approval but do not include contract value or a construction timetable.

During public comment Rebecca Etheridge said an internal investigation of the Police Department was necessary; City Manager Kandice Hartley responded that the case has been turned over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The minutes do not include further detail about the allegation or an internal findings timeline.

The council also noted recent personnel changes in the Fire Department: Captain Darrel Lanier retired after 29 years and internal promotions were made to fill vacancies. The police engineering award and the GBI referral are separate actions: the first is a procurement decision; the second is an investigative matter now with state authorities.