LONDON, KY – London Police Chief Jerry Hollon has resigned, and Assistant Chief Bobby Day has been named Acting Chief, the London Police Department announced Friday. The leadership change in Laurel County’s largest city could impact regional law enforcement partnerships, including with neighboring Clay County.
“We have received several questions regarding whether or not Jerry Hollon has resigned from the Chief of Police of the London Police Department,” said Officer Hobie Daugherty, Public Affairs Officer for the London Police Department. “I can confirm that Jerry Hollon has resigned and that Bobby Day is the Acting Chief of Police. We have no further comment at this time.”
Hollon, who became chief in August 2024 after over 20 years in law enforcement, stepped down amid ongoing scrutiny of the London Police Department. Last year, a Kentucky State Police report detailed a fatal shooting by a London officer who entered the wrong home, killing resident Doug Harless. The incident sparked community outrage and calls for reform, though no official statement ties Hollon’s resignation directly to the event.
The leadership shakeup coincides with the resignation of London City Councilmember Holly Little on the same day, as reported by WKYT. It’s unclear if the two departures are related. London Mayor Randall Weddle confirmed Hollon’s exit but offered no further details.
Bobby Day, now Acting Chief, steps into a challenging role. The department has faced criticism for not using body cameras during the Harless shooting, a practice halted in 2023. In January 2025, Mayor Weddle pledged to equip officers with body cameras to boost transparency.
For Clay County residents, London’s police leadership matters. The London Police Department often collaborates with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office on regional issues like drug enforcement and emergency response. A stable department in London could strengthen these partnerships, while ongoing turmoil might strain resources across the region.
Community reactions on X show frustration, with some linking Hollon’s exit to the Harless case. Others see it as a chance for fresh leadership. The department has not named a timeline for a permanent chief.
For more information, contact Officer Hobie Daugherty at (606) 878-7004 or .
- London Police Department Statement, Officer Hobie Daugherty, May 2, 2025 (Provided by ClayCoNews)
- WKYT News, “London, Ky. council member, chief of police resign,” May 2, 2025
- LEX18 News, X Post, May 2, 2025,,SamanthaWKYT, X Post, May 2, 2025
- SamanthaWKYT, X Post, May 2, 2025
- Smokahontas2024, X Post, May 2, 2025
- Lexington Herald-Leader, “Kentucky police department to get body cameras in wake of fatal shooting by officer,” January 9, 2025
