Woodstock names Roland Castro police chief

<p><em>Woodstock Community News | Woodstock, GA</em></p><p>The City of Woodstock announces Roland Castro as sole finalist for chief of police; his first day with the Woodstock Police Department is Dec. 8, 2025. The appointment follows a nationwide search led by Sumter Local Government Consulting after Chief Robert Jones announced his retirement earlier this year.</p><p>Castro brings more than 28 years of law enforcement experience, most recently serving as deputy chief in Johns Creek since 2008. In Johns Creek he has held leadership roles across Support Services, Operations, Professional Standards, Special Operations, Criminal Investigations and Uniform Patrol. Earlier in his career he served with the Alpharetta Police Department from 1997 to 2008 in criminal investigations, drug enforcement, SWAT and traffic enforcement.</p><p>He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police and the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College, and holds six Georgia POST certificates. Castro is a member of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.</p><p>“I am honored to serve as the new Chief of the Woodstock Police Department,” Castro said in the announcement, adding he looks forward to strengthening community engagement, open communication and responsive service. City Manager Jeff Moon praised Castro’s experience and community-focused approach as a strong fit for Woodstock.</p><p>There will be a reception to welcome Chief Castro on Monday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. in The Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main Street, prior to the Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council. The announcement names Castro the sole finalist and sets Dec. 8 as his start date; no additional timeline for transition or council action was provided.</p>