Kenton County is searching for a new police chief after Michael "Spike" Jones stepped down Sept. 11 following 11 years leading the department.

Jones has already moved into his next role. The Covington Board of Commissioners approved his appointment as assistant city manager on Aug. 25, and he now works under City Manager Sharmili Reddy.

The Kenton County Police Department posted the permanent chief position publicly. County Administrator Joe Shriver told Link NKY the county plans to conduct interviews in mid-to-late October, with the goal of presenting a selection to the Fiscal Court by its Oct. 27 meeting.

James "Jim" Gilpin, a 20-year KCPD veteran who retired as captain in 2019 and returned as assistant chief in January 2024, is serving as interim chief. The Kenton County Fiscal Court appointed him on Aug. 25, the same day Jones' Covington appointment was approved.

The KCPD oversees public safety in unincorporated Kenton County and provides backup to police departments across the county's 19 cities, including Fort Mitchell, Edgewood, Villa Hills and Crestview Hills.

During his tenure, Jones built the department's Aviation Section, which the county described as one of the region's premier law enforcement drone teams. He expanded the School Resource Officer program to 10 officers serving public and parochial schools countywide.

He also launched the Law Enforcement Navigator Program with the Northern Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, connecting people in crisis with resources and reducing repeat calls, according to the county's announcement.

"He has helped strengthen this department, build a strong foundation for the future and position KCPD for continued success," Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann said in the county's Aug. 13 announcement of Jones' departure.

Jones served as Covington's police chief from 2012 to 2015 before retiring and joining KCPD the same year. He also served as president of the Kentucky State Fraternal Order of Police from 2012 to 2014 and chairs the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council Executive Committee.

Jones said in an Aug. 27 statement that the appointment was "an honor to be considered for the position," adding, "Covington has been my lifetime home, and I am thrilled to be a small part of its future."

County Administrator Joe Shriver said in September that officials aimed to interview candidates in mid-to-late October and present a selection to the Fiscal Court by its Oct. 27 meeting. Jim Gilpin is serving as interim chief during the search.