08/26/2026
Congratulations to Jim Gilpin on being named as interim chief of police of the Kenton County Police Department. Thank you to all who serve to keep our communities safe!
On Tuesday, the Kenton County Fiscal Court approved Jim Gilpin as interim chief of the Kenton County Police Department, positioning a longtime KCPD leader to guide the agency through its upcoming transition.
Gilpin will succeed Chief Michael “Spike” Jones, who will depart the department on Friday, Sept. 11, after 11 years as chief.
A veteran of KCPD, Gilpin rejoined the department in January 2024 as assistant chief after retiring in 2019. He previously spent 20 years with the agency, rising through the ranks before being promoted to captain in 2015.
Gilpin’s appointment will provide continuity for the department as the County begins its search for Jones’ permanent successor.
During Tuesday’s Fiscal Court meeting, County Administrator Joe Shriver outlined the process for filling the position permanently. Applications are expected to open in mid-September, with the County targeting the end of October to complete the search and appoint a new chief.