Kenton County Police Chief Michael "Spike" Jones is leaving the department he has led for 11 years, with his last day set for Sept. 11.

Jones is under consideration to become assistant city manager for the City of Covington, according to a Kenton County government announcement released Aug. 13. The Covington Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on his hiring Aug. 25, LINK nky reported.

The departure directly affects policing across Fort Mitchell, Crestview Hills, Edgewood, Villa Hills, Crescent Springs, Lakeside Park and Fort Wright. KCPD provides services to all of those cities.

No successor has been named. The county said a transition plan is being developed internally, with more information to come at a later date.

27 years in NKY law enforcement

Jones spent nearly 27 years with the Covington Police Department before becoming Covington's chief of police in June 2012. He retired in 2015 but came out of retirement the same year, sworn in Aug. 28, 2015, as the 13th chief of the Kenton County Police Department.

"We are incredibly grateful for the leadership Spike has brought to the Kenton County Police Department over the past 11 years," Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann said in the announcement. "He has helped strengthen this department, build a strong foundation for the future and position KCPD for continued success."

Programs built under Jones

During his tenure, Jones oversaw the creation of several programs that touch residents across the coverage area:

  • Aviation Section: KCPD built what the county describes as one of the premier law enforcement drone teams in the region.
  • School Resource Officers: The program grew to 10 officers serving public and parochial schools throughout Kenton County.
  • Law Enforcement Navigator Program: Launched in partnership with the Northern Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, the program connects people in crisis with resources for substance abuse, food insecurity and wellness checks. Four navigators serve the county, with one dedicated to Covington and three in multi-jurisdictional roles. Each position costs approximately $125,000 in salary and benefits.

The Navigator Program has been expanding locally. Fort Wright's City Council discussed joining through a two-year interlocal agreement in March, with Fort Wright Police Chief Jonathan Colwell supporting the move at an estimated cost of about $20,000 per year to the city, according to Fort Wright caucus meeting minutes. As of the April 1, 2026, council meeting, the agreement had been tabled due to a delay in preparing the document.

What's next

The Covington Board of Commissioners vote on Aug. 25 will determine whether Jones officially takes the assistant city manager role. Knochelmann said the county looks forward to "continuing to work with him in his new role."