Charles D. Atkinson is now the full-fledged chief of the Doraville Police Department.

Atkinson had served as interim chief for the northeastern DeKalb County city since June 2019, when predecessor John King resigned for a job as Georgia's insurance commissioner.

Atkinson, who was raised in Doraville, was appointed permanent chief this week. He has been with the department for 26 years.

“This is home,” Atkinson, 50, said in a news release. “This city has meant a lot to my family. I have so many memories here, and it’s exciting to see how we are progressing as a city. The Doraville of today is not the Doraville of 30 years ago. I see great things ahead.”

Atkinson also became Doraville’s interim city manager on Jan. 1, 2020. He will continue in that role until a permanent city manager is hired from a search that is underway, officials said.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta police are investigating a fatal shooting on Cornell Boulevard early Monday. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Hendren

Featured

Fans celebrate in the stands after Cape Verde defeated Eswatini in a World Cup qualifying soccer match at Estádio Nacional in Praia, Cape Verde, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, to clinch their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. (Cristiano Barbosa/AP)

Credit: AP