Tyler Edwards appointed as interim police chief

Glasgow Police Department Captain Tyler Edwards, formerly the assistant chief, has been appointed interim police chief upon the termination of Chief Brien Gault after 30-years of service.

Gault's last day on the job was May 23. He could not be reached for comment as of press time this week.

"I respect Chief Gualt's privacy, and continue to do so," said Glasgow Mayor Becky Erickson during the city council meeting Monday afternoon. "The council is going to make the deciscion of where we want to go from here."

Gault was sworn in as chief of the Glasgow Police Department on Aug. 20, 2018. He received the post after being unanimously confirmed by the city council and sworn in by Erickson.

Edwards was appointed as assistant chief in January 2020. To that point, the position has been vacant since Gault's appointment to Chief in 2018 as the department strived to hire new officers and planned for the future. Edwards is a 12-year veteran of the GPD, and before being promoted to captain was previously one of two GPD sergeants on staff.

"Tyler as assistant chief is going to take over at this time," Erickson said. "He has asked for Robert Weber to be his second in command. The council is going to make the deciscion of where we want to go from here."

The council may be looking at making Edwards' position permanent, or considering additional candidates, over the next six to 12 months, Erickson said.

"I really feel this needs to be a full council decision, so we will be working forward on that and the council will come up with what they feel is best for the department."

During Edwards tenure in his new position, the department will work to focus on Community Oriented Policing. Community policing begins with a commitment to building trust and mutual respect between police and communities, according to the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, a component of the U.S. Department of Justice.

"I look forward to working with the department as we update our policies and procedures to reflect our new goals," Edwards said.

The goal is for the department is to "pivot away from the old policing model and move towards more community oriented and collaborative policing style," Erickson said.

When police and communities collaborate, they more effectively address underlying issues, change negative behavioral patterns and allocate resources, according to DOJ.

"We have a very dedicated police department that works diligently to keep our community safe," Erickson said. "The City Council and I will be appointing a GPD community relations board from members of the community to work together in addressing and providing education on issues that will arise with the implementation of these new goals and direction for the GPD.