Assistant Chief Joyce Dent-Fitzpatrick began her career with the Columbus Police Department as a Patrol Officer on April 6, 1987. As a Patrol Officer, she served in the Patrol Division, Swing Shift Unit and Motor Squad- Hit/Run Investigator. As a Detective, she worked in the Sex Crimes Unit. She was selected as the Officer of the year 2001. As a Sergeant, she served in the Patrol Division and Administrative Services Division as a Police Recruiter. As a Lieutenant, she worked in the Patrol Division and The Special Victims Unit. Also, she served as the Commander of the Honor Guard Unit. As a Captain, she was assigned as second in charge of the Bureau of Investigative Services. As the Assistant Chief, she oversees the Operations Division which entails Patrol and Investigative Services.
Assistant Chief Dent-Fitzpatrick has a Master of Science degree in Public Administration/Justice Administration from Columbus State University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Columbus College, an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Chattahoochee Valley Community College and an Associate’s degree in Homeland Security from Chattahoochee Valley University She completed Management Development Training through the Georgia Peace Officers Standards Training Center. Also, she completed the Leadership Columbus Course.