Assistant Chief of Case Intake, Robert Turner, began his law enforcement career as a military police officer in the Army. He served stateside as well as in combat zones in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He then entered civilian law enforcement, beginning with the Georgia Tech Police Department as a patrol officer, bike officer, field training officer, and a K9 handler. He was also a member and team leader on SWAT.

His time as a K9 handler led to him establishing K9 protocols for explosive-detection canine teams throughout Georgia. His training program grew to encompass 80 dog teams statewide. He was the liaison for dignitary protection details for Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, as well as other military and political leaders. He was chosen to serve on an IED working group committee chaired by the FBI. He coordinated efforts and training exercises between local, state, and federal agencies. He wrote grants and programs for Homeland Security, assisting in writing safety protocols for MLS, MLB, and the NFL.

During this time, he held instructor certifications in P.O.S.T. general instruction; defensive tactics, mechanical and explosive breaching; active shooter, OC/asp baton, weapons of mass destruction, and counterterrorism. At the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, he began in Trial Division before transferring to Crimes Against Women and Children and eventually to Homicide.

At the Office of Insurance Commission and Safety Fire, he served as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Investigations Division. He assisted in restructuring an agency plagued with corruption and worked to reorganize the State Arson Unit.