The Sheriff is a constitutionally mandated office in the State of Georgia with duties prescribed by the legislature. The Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer for the county and is responsible for investigating crimes and upholding state laws, enforcing judgments, and maintaining communications and the sharing of criminal intelligence with other law enforcement organizations. The Sheriff’s deputies have countywide jurisdiction, but in practice, concentrate their activities outside the city limits where municipal officers do not have jurisdiction to operate. The Sheriff is also responsible for security of the Courthouse. The Sheriff and his staff operate the jail and provide for the safety and well-being of inmates on a daily basis. The Sheriff and his staff ensure that quality jail standards are maintained in order to pass jail inspection. The Sheriff and his deputies provide law enforcement services in the unincorporated areas of the County and they liaison with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to develop crime reduction strategies. Lastly, the Sheriff and his staff work with other stakeholders to ensure a good quality of life for all the citizens of Burke County.

I will be running for the office of Sheriff every four years for at least the next 16 years because I have a vested interest in Burke County. It is home for me. It is where the majority of my family is located. We attend church here and we enjoy the civility and quality of life that rural counties offer. Prior to becoming your Sheriff, I spent 29 years of my life in various law enforcement positions, making a difference in the lives of those whom I served. We are excited about the growth and development of our hometown. Law enforcement contributes greatly to social and economic growth in that providing safe schools where students can learn leads to student achievement and better graduation rates. When students graduate, they become college and career ready and are able to join the workforce and become productive citizens. When crime is reduced and citizens feel safe, they will move about more freely and enjoy the amenities and festivities the town has to offer. Deputies are being provided with the tools they need to work and they feel respected and appreciated, they are fairly paid, they work hard and proactively to reduce violent and property crimes which have been reduced more than 50% prior to me taking office. As a result of all of these initiatives, the economic outlook for our county has been strengthened and companies are once again beginning to locate here and pay livable wages. When families are able to sustain themselves based on these criteria, they will settle here and buy land and homes as is now happening all over Burke County.

I am the most qualified candidate to be the next Sheriff because I have the professional knowledge, training, experience, competence and character to successfully lead the men and women of the Burke County Sheriff’s Office into the future. I have spent 25 years of my life, prideful and joyfully serving well and making a positive difference in the lives of others in the Augusta circuit (which includes Burke, Richmond and Columbia Counties).  The accomplishments we have made for Burke County since I took office have been recognized by many local leaders and organizations as well as the Police Benevolent Association, Georgia Sheriff’s Association, and the National Sheriff’s Association.

I am the most qualified candidate to continue my service as  Sheriff because I have the professional knowledge, training, experience, competence and character to successfully lead the men and women of the Burke County Sheriff’s Office into the future. I have spent 29 years of my life, prideful and joyfully serving well and making a positive difference in the lives of others in the Augusta circuit (which includes Burke, Richmond and Columbia Counties).

When I retire, I want my legacy to be similar to that of the current Sheriff Gregory T. Coursey. I want my legacy to be that I served with honor and distinction, that I had care and compassion for those I served, and that I treated people fairly, justly and competently.

I want to know that I improved the quality of life of the citizens of Burke County by providing safer schools, streets and neighborhoods and that the citizens felt our Sheriff’s Office was to be emulated by all in the state.

The most pressing issues facing most governmental agencies now and going forward are increased governmental laws and regulations and less funding of the same.

Current events in law enforcement will continue to demand greater training and accountability, which can be taxing on a small rural law enforcement entity. Grant funding may be a source of revenue to combat this problem.

Also, research suggests many law enforcement agencies are struggling with ways to help the mentally ill in county jail facilities and it is a severe strain on the budget. We will look to other social service agencies and faith-based organizations to help in dealing with these problems.

As we work towards national accreditation, the maintenance of professional standards for deputies and other staff coupled with ensuring the safety of the citizenry to include inmate population, will prove challenging. We must plan accordingly and set high standards and expectations to minimize the liability associated with bad practices and policy.

Lastly, from a community perspective, drugs and gangs are a problem nationwide. Many of the thefts and burglaries are the result of chemical dependency. We must continue investing in and mentoring to our youth. We must look to other resources outside of the Sheriff’s Office to help combat these problems.