Noblesville police chief to retire in January

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Noblesville Police Dept. Chief Kevin Jowitt has announced he will retire Jan. 31, 2020.

Jowitt has served as Noblesville’s police chief for 10 years, the second longest tenure in the city’s history, and has had a law enforcement career that spans 43 years.

“After careful consideration the time has come for me to take another path,” Jowitt said in a statement. “It has been an honor to work alongside my law enforcement colleagues, and a privilege to serve the Noblesville community as chief. My law enforcement career has been challenging, rewarding and personally fulfilling.”

Jowitt was appointed chief by Mayor John Ditslear in May 2009. Under his leadership, Noblesville one of only nine Indiana agencies that have national and state accreditation; the crime rates in Noblesville have dropped more than any city Noblesville’s size during the past three years; and Noblesville is the only department in the region to have police officers in every school building. Jowitt also implemented several programs during his tenure such as the Problem Oriented Policing, along with traffic and crime analysis units.

“Our equipment, vehicles and training are absolutely first-rate; and most importantly, we continue to attract outstanding people who want to be Noblesville police officers,” Jowitt said.

In the announcement, city officials complemented Jowitt’s efforts to build community through the NPD. Jowitt implemented programs like the Citizens Police Academy, National Night Out, Coffee with a Cop, Volunteers in Police Services and the department’s increased and interactive presence on social media.

“Noblesville and Hamilton County residents owe Chief Jowitt a debt of gratitude for his selfless dedication to making our community a safer place,” Ditslear said in a statement. “Throughout his tenure, Kevin has served with honor and distinction. Most recently, Chief helped lead the entire community during and following the tragic accident at Noblesville West Middle School. I cannot thank Kevin enough for the work, leadership and vision he has provided the police department, and I want to wish him and (wife) Deb the best as they look forward to the next chapter of their lives.”

Jowitt also has served on a number of boards and panels, including being president of the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police in 2017. Jowitt was recognized in 2018 when he was awarded the Distinguished Hoosier Award, which is one of the highest honors that the Governor of Indiana bestows.

“I will be working as hard as ever until the end of January as there is still much to do,” Jowitt said. “I am also committed to helping in every way possible to assure a smooth transition and assist the new mayor when he takes office at the first of the year.”

Police chiefs are appointed by the mayor. Running unopposed, Noblesville Common Councilor Chris Jensen is set to be elected mayor in November. He is expected to make the appointment.

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