Chief Denise Downer-McKinney was sworn in as the Chief of Police for the Rome Police Department on March 14, 2016
Chief Downer-McKinney started her career with the Rome Police Department in February 1985. She was promoted through the ranks of the department and served in many positions. She received her Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati and her Master's in Public Administration from Columbus State University. She is a graduate of Command College, the FBI National Academy, Georgia Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, the Southeastern Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange Program (GILEE), and Leadership Rome. Chief Downer-McKinney is also an alumnus of the Rome/Floyd Chamber. She has previously served as the Bureau Major of Support Services which includes the Training Division, the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and Field Operations.
Chief Downer-McKinney is an active community leader and also a member of numerous boards and committees. Through her career, she has promoted an open interaction with the department and the citizens it serves.