Sheriffs have the power to make our communities safer for everyone—but many voters don’t even know who their sheriff is or where they stand on important issues that may impact their lives.
It’s time to change that. It’s time to Know Your Sheriff.
“Know Your Sheriff” is a campaign by the ACLU of Georgia to help voters learn about the sheriff's role, responsibilities, and impact on life in the community. With expanded knowledge about this elected official, community members will have more information to better select a candidate who aligns with their values on public safety, the criminal justice process, and current practices.
About Sheriffs in Georgia
The Georgia Constitution mandates that each county has a sheriff, and legislation designates the sheriff as the chief law enforcement officer in the county. In most counties with a sheriff and a county police department, the sheriff voluntarily relinquishes the general law enforcement responsibilities to the county police department, although he cannot be forced to do so. The sheriff retains the authority to intervene in any law enforcement effort within the county when he felt compelled to do so. This includes actions initiated by deputies of this agency who have witnessed a violation of law or in the absence of a county police officer.
Fulton County Sheriff Questionnaires
We asked the candidates to submit responses to a questionnaire in order to help voters understand the issues and know where each candidate stands.
Read their responses:
- Charles Rambo
- Joyce Farmer
- James "J.T." Brown
- Kirt Beasley
- Patrick LaBat - Incumbent (did not respond)
Watch the recording of the Know Your Sheriff Fulton County Town hall event