Former Jamestown Police Chief To Join DA’s Office As Investigator

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MAYVILLE – A former Jamestown Police Chief will be joining the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office as an investigator later this month. 

Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt confirmed to WNY News Now that Harry Snellings will be on his staff. Schmidt says he “admires” Snellings’ background both as a leader and as a law enforcement member.

Schmidt explains that he hopes to use his investigators to their strengths.

“I’m hoping to better utilize the investigators here in the office than they have been in the past,” Schmidt said. “I admire each and every one of them. They all come from extensive law enforcement backgrounds, they have terrific relationships with the police agencies, and they try at least to stay up-to-date with the latest investigative techniques.”

“And because of that, I just want very strong investigators here in the office that can liaison with the police agencies and help us to work with them on pending investigations, and again, to get the pending files conviction-ready so that we can go forward and actually get convictions in the courtroom when the time comes.”

Snellings began his career in 1996 with the Jamestown Police Patrol Division. During his time in the department he led the SWAT Team, served as training director, team commander and platoon commander.

Snellings was first appointed to lead the agency in July 2013, succeeding Police Chief Rex Rater.

The Chief served three terms at the head of the department. His current term was set to expire December 31, 2021.

Prior to his career in Law Enforcement, Snellings served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves for a total of 22 years