City of Alcoa City Manager Mark Johnson is pleased to announce the appointment of City of Alcoa Police Captain David Carswell as the new City of Alcoa Police Chief. Carswell is replacing Chief Philip Potter, who is retiring in October.
Captain Carswell has over 24 years of law enforcement experience, 22 of those years with the City of Alcoa Police Department. He began working for the City of Alcoa Police Department in March 1994. He is a 1986 graduate of Northeast State Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology, and a 1990 graduate of East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.
Captain Carswell has served as a Patrol Officer, Bicycle Officer, K-9 Handler, Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Field Training Supervisor, Patrol Lieutenant, and most recently as Captain in charge of Patrol and Criminal Investigations Operations. During his tenure, he has worked several specialized assignments including Internal Affairs, General Departmental Instructor, DUI Instructor, Ethics Instructor and has a Master Instructor Certification. In 2002, he was the recipient of the Medal of Meritorious Service for accomplishments as a K-9 Handler.
In addition to his many years of law enforcement, he also served as first lieutenant in the United States Army, Armor and is a 2006 graduate of the FBI National Academy Class 226.
Captain Carswell resides in Blount County with his wife of 22 years, Shannon, and their twins, Colton and Emma.
“Captain Carswell’s law enforcement experience, proven ability to lead, and knowledge of the Alcoa Police Department will be instrumental in successfully carrying the department forward”, stated Johnson.
Captain Carswell is expected to assume the chief position in mid-October with his swearing in to be announced at a later date.