Police Department

Mission Statement

The McCaysville Police Department is dedicated to fostering a safe environment for the community by delivering professional, high-quality policing through positive engagement with citizens.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to reduce crime through strong, collaborative partnerships with residents, elected officials, and local, state, and federal agencies.

Core Values

We believe in:

Professionalism: We are committed to upholding the highest standards and expect every team member to perform to their fullest potential.
Obedience: Our authority comes from the trust and support of the community we serve.
Leadership: We lead by example, guiding others through actions, not just words.
Integrity: We maintain honesty, fairness, and accountability in all our actions.
Conduct: We understand that our personal and professional conduct directly impacts the reputation of the department. We strive to be moral, sober, and responsible.
Excellence: We are driven to constantly improve ourselves, our department, and the community we serve.

Chief of Police: Michael Otis Earley
CEO, City of McCaysville Police Department

Chief Michael Otis Earley began his law enforcement career with the City of Blue Ridge Police Department in October 2007. In 2008, he attended the North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division, where he gained valuable experience in frontline policing.

In 2009, Chief Earley completed Police Instructor School and, in 2010, earned his certification as a Specialized Instructor in Speed Detection. He has served as an adjunct instructor at the North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy, where he continues to teach Basic Law Enforcement. He also regularly instructs classes for local and regional law enforcement agencies.

In March 2016, Chief Earley was appointed Chief of Police for the City of McCaysville. Since then, he has completed the 16-50 Executive Training Program through the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. That same year, he was named Officer of the Year by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. In 2017, he was elected to serve as a Coordinator for the Appalachian Trail Traffic Enforcement Network under the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, covering Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Cherokee, Union, Towns, Dawson, and Lumpkin counties.

In 2021, Chief Earley was appointed Chairman of the Traffic Committee for the Georgia Chiefs Association, where he served a two-year term leading initiatives focused on traffic safety, enforcement coordination, and statewide policy recommendations.

In February 2022, Chief Earley was appointed Project and Event Manager for the City of McCaysville, where he has overseen numerous community initiatives and municipal events. In January 2024, he was appointed Public Safety Director for the City of McCaysville, expanding his leadership role to include oversight of all public safety operations within the city.

In May 2025, Chief Earley graduated from Leadership Fannin and now proudly serves as an active alumni member, continuing to support community and civic development initiatives throughout Fannin County.

Chief Earley holds numerous advanced certifications, including: