Charlotte, North Carolina - April 3, 2026 - Shawn L. Jones, a veteran law enforcement executive with 37.5 years of experience, will release his memoir, Assistant Chief of Police: Commanding Change: A Memoir of Reform and Resolve, later this year. The book provides actionable insights for law enforcement leaders and policymakers, offering an insider’s perspective on transforming police organizations, rebuilding community trust, and leading with purpose in challenging environments.
The memoir highlights Jones’s 2 years and 10 months of tenure in Memphis, chronicling his efforts to stabilize a city facing record-breaking murder rates while modernizing a department that had drifted into cultural and operational stagnation. Core leadership philosophies explored include Adaptability as Survival, Data-Driven Accountability, and Leadership as Stewardship, illustrating how recruitment, mentorship, and professional development strengthen organizational culture.
Readers will also gain a close look at major reforms Jones implemented, including:
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Consolidating patrol operations from four shifts to three eight-hour shifts.
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Expanding and rebranding the Criminal Apprehension Unit.
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Creating specialized units for fugitive recovery and gun crimes.
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Revitalizing Internal Affairs and the disciplinary matrix.
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Implementing technologies such as the FUSUS citywide camera network, PowerFTO paperless trainee evaluations, and the Kronos automated timekeeping system.
The memoir also addresses the political and emotional challenges of leading change, from internal resistance and navigating mayoral transitions to managing media misrepresentation. Jones uses the “Blue Pill” metaphor from The Matrix to illustrate how positive initiatives, such as the Police Athletic League (PAL), were sometimes mischaracterized.
An appendix offers practical guidance for emerging law enforcement leaders on building coalitions, controlling the narrative, and maintaining integrity in the face of organizational resistance.
Assistant Chief of Police: Commanding Change: A Memoir of Reform and Resolve will be available on major platforms later this year.
About the Author
Shawn L. Jones has held high-level positions in Atlanta, Fulton County, and Memphis law enforcement. He has served as an external reform advocate and participated in White House criminal justice reform meetings, Department of Homeland Security initiatives, and Department of Justice focus groups on hiring and smart gun technology. His leadership has been influenced by civil rights icons Coretta Scott King and Andrew Young.
Disclaimer: This press release is provided for informational purposes only. Publication dates are subject to change, and content details reflect the author’s planned release at the time of this announcement.
Media Contact
Contact Person: Shawn L. Jones
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Country: United States
Website: https://shawnljones.com/
