Beech Tree News Network

J.R. Wilkins officially assumed the duties of Interim Chief-of-Police this morning during a swearing-in ceremony held in the Morgantown City Hall. Mayor Linda Keown swore-in Wilkins during a brief ceremony in front of a small crowd.

After the ceremony, Wilkins said, "I have an open door; anything that I can do to be of any assistance to any of you, whether you have problems or concerns or questions, feel free to contact me. I want to really thank you for the warm welcome and I look forward to forming a partnership with each and every one of you."

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Original post 7/13/2012

J.R. Wilkins was in town on Friday meeting with Mayor Linda Keown and the media as he is preparing to take the reins on Monday as the Interim Chief-of-Police for the Morgantown Police Department (MPD).  The new interim chief will be inheriting a department in transition and one possibly being considered for elimination as city officials are studying a scenario that would have the city contracting with the Butler County Sheriff's Department for police services. Nevertheless, Wilkins is eager to get started.    

“I look forward to this opportunity and working with the citizens of Morgantown and Butler County,” said Wilkins.

J.R. Wilkins, 50, retired from the Bowling Green Police Department in 2007 after 20 years of service. He brings a great deal of experience to the Morgantown Police Department, working on patrol, in drug enforcement, communications and media relations, and special operations.  Wilkins served as assistant chief, where he supervised around 100 officers. Wilkins has served on the Leadership of Bowling Green, Rape Crisis, BRASS, and Foster Grandparents boards.

Wilkins is also a licensed private investigator and, upon retirement, worked with the Warren County Sheriff’s office in courtroom security.  Prior to accepting this position, he was an instructor at Daymar College in the criminal justice program. 

Although Wilkins is aware of the possible elimination of the MPD, he feels things are moving in a positive direction. 

“The council has hired me (an interim chief), and has asked me to start reviewing the 18-20 applications for police officers that has been submitted,” said Wilkins.

Wilkins said he has not met Butler County Sheriff Scottie Ward but looks forward to working with him.

“I want to build on and improve the Morgantown Police Department.  This is a great community; I want people to know who their chief is and approach me with their concerns, questions, and problems,” added Wilkins.

Mayor Keown stated that Wilkins comes highly recommended. 

“He is well educated, very civic minded and a good role model for the department,” said Keown. "He is the chief and is the boss.”

Wilikins is expected to be in his position for up to six months.  

Wilkins is originally from Grayson County, is married to attorney Deborah Wilkins and has one daughter.