Assistant Chief Joyce Dent-Fitzpatrick began her career with the Columbus Police Department as a Patrol Officer on April 6, 1987. As a Patrol Officer, she served in the Patrol Division, Swing Shift Unit and Motor Squad- Hit/Run Investigator. As a Detective, she worked in the Sex Crimes Unit. She was selected as the Officer of the year 2001. As a Sergeant, she served in the Patrol Division and Administrative Services Division as a Police Recruiter. As a Lieutenant, she worked in the Patrol Division and The Special Victims Unit. Also, she served as the Commander of the Honor Guard Unit. As a Captain, she was assigned as second in charge of the Bureau of Investigative Services. As the Assistant Chief, she oversees the Operations Division which entails Patrol and Investigative Services.

Assistant Chief Dent-Fitzpatrick has a Master of Science degree in Public Administration/Justice Administration from Columbus State University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Columbus College, an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Chattahoochee Valley Community College and an Associate’s degree in Homeland Security from Chattahoochee Valley University She completed Management Development Training through the Georgia Peace Officers Standards Training Center. Also, she completed the Leadership Columbus Course.

Assistant Chief Lance H. Deaton began his career with the Columbus Police Department as a Patrol Officer on January 3, 2003. As a Patrol Officer, he served in the Patrol Division and Traffic Unit / Motor Squad. In 2007, he was appointed to the rank of Corporal and was assigned to the Bureau of Investigative Services. As a Detective / Corporal, he worked in the Robbery / Homicide Unit. In 2012, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He served in the Bureau of Investigative Services and was assigned to the Robbery / Homicide Unit and was one of the initial supervisors in the department's newly formed Homicide Unit. In 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He was assigned to the Patrol Division as an Assistant Shift Commander and was then assigned to lead the department's Traffic Unit / Motor Squad. In 2021, he was appointed to the rank of Deputy Chief. He led the Bureau of Support Services, which is made up of the Property and Evidence Unit, 911 call center, Quartermaster, Record Room, Desk Services, Motor pool, Facilities, and Technology. In 2023, he was reassigned to manage the Bureau of Investigative Services, which houses the Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, Adult/Youth Services, Crime Scene Division, and Special Operations Units.

Assistant Chief Deaton has a Master of Science degree in Justice Administration from Columbus State University, along with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Troy State University. He completed the Professional Management Program at the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College at Columbus State University. He is a proud graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, class 544, and the FBI National Academy, class 294. He is currently a member of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.