At midnight on February 1, the Savannah-Chatham County Metro Police department will no longer exist. City leaders voted in July to dissolve the joint department after the county questioned the cost of the combined force. Starting Thursday the Savannah Police will patrol the city and Chatham County Police will patrol the county, with help from Chatham County Sheriff’s Department.

Today city leaders unveiled the Savannah Police logo and cruisers at a ribbon cutting for two new precincts. Alderman John Hall says the new third district neighborhood precinct is a sign the city is ready for the separation.

“The marriage with the county police department just didn’t work," Hall said. "So we are doing whatever we can to make this a smooth transition as possible. And also we are going to help the county in any way we can.”

Mayor Eddie DeLoach also stressed that the three law enforcement agencies will work together to address Savannah's public safety issues and crime.

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