Assistant Chief Terry Pierce

Terry Pierce  / Assistant Chief of Police

Assistant Chief of Police Terrence J. Pierce was sworn in as the Operational Commander for the Gainesville Police Department on June 15, 2016.  He joins GPD after twenty-six years of service with the Montgomery County, Maryland Police Department. 

Assistant Chief Pierce rose through the ranks of Montgomery County PD to Captain and held various assignments to include; Criminal Investigations Director, Policy and Planning Director, Chief of Staff to the Chief of Police and other command positions. 

Assistant Chief Pierce holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland College Park in Law Enforcement and a Master of Science degree in Public Safety Management from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. The Major has been an instructor for the FBI in Europe and South-east Asia on community policing and homicide investigations. Major Pierce has been recognized as an expert in the community policing philosophy and management process. 

He has published several articles in various professional journals and given lectures on community policing to law enforcement agencies and universities across the country. FEMA has recognized him for his work in emergency management on several events in Washington, DC and has assisted with the creation of the National Response Plan. Major Pierce carries over a dozen certifications on Incident Command Specialties and instructs Incident Command for FEMA.