Holmes

THOMASVILLE — Effective April 29, the Thomasville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division will have a new chief. TPD’s community relations division also will be under new command.

Sgt. Toby Knifer, now assistant CID commander, will be promoted to commander and to the rank of lieutenant. Capt. Maurice Holmes, the current CID commander, will transfer to community relations and head the unit. Cpl. Scott Newberry, now a CID detective, will be promoted to assistant CID commander and to the rank of sergeant.

“We have been mentoring and preparing (Sgt.) Knifer for this role for the last five years. This assignment is not by accident,” said Chief Troy Rich.

Knifer has a great working knowledge of critical investigations involving rape, homicide and robbery, the chief said.

Knifer’s expertise will be important in preparing case files for the district attorney’s office in preparation for trials, Rich said, adding that Knifer has excellent relationships with TPD’s counterparts — the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the local district attorney’s office.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that with his leadership, he will excel in this role,” Rich said.

Knifer views his new role as a CID move forward to provide investigative services to residents.

Knifer joined TPD in 1999. He has been in CID 12 years, three as assistant commander.

“I feel I’m a strong leader,” Knifer said. 

Knifer believes he has experience to bring to current and future detectives under his command and in solving crimes.

Holmes said the position of community relations commander was offered to him, and he is excited about the opportunity to build stronger relationships with the city.

“The opportunities are endless,” Holmes said.

His goal is to continue bridge-building with the community relations unit and the entire city.

The chief said Holmes was chosen for the position because of his enthusiasm and leadership that sets him apart in the new mission of the 21st century policing model.

Holmes, Rich said, will promote new, fresh ideas.

Holmes will be commander over school resource officers, crime prevention, community outreach, community relations and youth programs, community policing and crime watch, among other areas.

Holmes joined TPD in 2005. He was promoted to captain and named CID commander in 2015.

Newberry has been with TPD since 2005 and a detective since 2006.

As assistant CID commander, Newberry will assist detectives and carry a caseload.

Assistant commander of the local Special Weapons and Tactics team (SWAT), Newberry has been lead detective in several homicides. He is a detective in the 2018 case in which 70-year-old Deanna Shirey’s body was found in a shallow grave behind the residence of Robert Carter, who has been charged with her death, along with a number of other crimes involving local women.

“He has a wealth of knowledge and is a tremendous asset,” the chief said.

Newberry works cases with surrounding counties, the U.S. Marshals Service and state agencies outside Georgia.

Detective Crystal Parker also will leave CID for the community relations division, resulting in two detective vacancies — Parker’s and Knifer’s.

Rich said the detectives positions will be advertised, and interviews will be conducted with TPD employees who want to apply for the jobs.

“It’s a competitive process,” he said.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820