Still known as Chief, Tony Jones will retire in October from his Gainesville post as special adviser for juvenile justice and community support programs.
Jones has worked for the city since 1975 when he joined as a public safety cadet with the Gainesville Police Department. Rising through the ranks, Jones served as police chief from 2009 until 2022, when he transitioned to his current role.
In a July letter to the City Commission, City Manager Cynthia Curry said Jones had shared his intent several months earlier to retire in October.
“During his tenure with the City, Chief Jones has left an indelible mark on the community with his unwavering commitment to our youth, juvenile justice and community policing as a whole,” Curry said in the letter.
Since a state audit and budget constraints, the city has worked to transfer services under Jones to the police department. In his position, Jones has overseen the Reichert House Youth Academy, the Brave Overt Leaders of Distinction (BOLD) Program and Nspire Interrupters Programs.
Jones also serves as a board member for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and the Coalition of Juvenile Justice. Recently, he was also selected as Southern Regional Chairperson of the National Coalition of Juvenile Justice.
He has been a total waste of time and money for many years. Ran off many good underlings to other departments. Plenty of questions about his relationships and has held back GPD for a 20 years!
The Gainesville Sun freported yesterday that Chief Jones has been hired as an investigator for the Office of the State Attorney and that he took an oath to that effect. This account makes no mention of that arrangement. Further one thing should be made clear. Tony was chief at all relevant times during the incidents involving Terrell Marquis Bradley.