Georgia town gets new police chief after former resigned over Flock misconduct allegations

Braselton has a new police chief in town, this time permanently.

Officials announced that Michael G. Wilkie accepted the position. He replaces former chief Michael Steffman, who resigned last year, and Interim Police Chief Zach Tiller.

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Town officials said Wilkie brings more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement to his new role. The town council voted to hire him for the position on Monday.

“Chief Wilkie brings a steady hand and the experience to lead our police department and develop the leaders who will carry it forward,” Town Manager E. Ronald Bennett Jr. said in a statement.

He starts on Nov. 12.

“I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to serve the Town of Braselton. I have good memories of time spent in this area over the past 30-40 years, and I am excited to become more invested in this community,” Wilkie said. “I look forward to being part of the team and want to be open to what the citizens of Braselton are expecting from their police department.”

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Wilkie will be the first full police chief, instead of interim, since Chief Steffman’s resignation, retirement and arrest in 2025.

Channel 2 Action News reported on Steffman’s resignation and retirement, which was announced following an investigation into Steffman’s alleged misuse and misconduct of the department’s Flock Safety equipment and software.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested Steffman after his retirement and resignation were announced,

During the investigation, it came to light that an alleged stalking victim of the chief had filed for a protective order. Channel 2’s Michael Doudna learned that the victim’s petition was not granted.

Steffman died at his home in April.

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