ANNISTON, AL — On January 8, 2026, City of Anniston City Manager Kenneth Free announced the selection of William “Clint” Parris as the next Police Chief for the Anniston Police Department following a comprehensive and competitive search process.
According to the city, the decision came after careful consideration of multiple highly qualified candidates. Parris was selected based on his leadership experience, professional integrity, and long-standing service to the Anniston community.
“Chief Parris brings the experience, judgment, and vision necessary to lead the Anniston Police Department into its next chapter,” Free said. “Throughout the selection process, it was clear that Chief Parris understands the importance of accountability, transparency, and building trust between law enforcement and the community we serve.”
Parris has served with the Anniston Police Department for more than 26 years, having been hired on April 9, 1999. During his career, he has advanced through the ranks, serving as a patrol officer, field training officer, and investigator.
During nine years in the Patrol Division, Parris worked closely with officers from a wide range of backgrounds while serving as a Field Training Officer. He later transferred to the Investigative Division, where he handled both property crimes and crimes against persons. The city noted that his investigative work included numerous high-profile cases and required extensive interaction with victims and members of the public during difficult circumstances.
After his promotion into a supervisory role, Parris applied his field and investigative experience to personnel management and officer development, mentoring officers and reinforcing professional standards within the department.
To welcome the new police chief, the City of Anniston will host a public meet-and-greet on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Anniston Police Department Municipal Courtroom, located at 174 West 13th Street.
The Anniston Police Department is a municipal law enforcement agency with 92 sworn officers and seven civilian positions, providing law enforcement and related services throughout the City of Anniston.
