Elected to Enforce: Examining the Role of Sheriff in Georgia
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Ashley Lockwood
Location
Skidaway Meeting Room
Type of Research
Proposed
Session Format
Oral Presentation
College
College of Behavioral & Social Sciences
Department
Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology
Abstract
Sheriffs, unlike other agency heads, operate as the head of a law enforcement agency, as well as an elected official.While chiefs of police and other agency heads answer to city counsels and mayors, the sheriff answers only to the people. This role requires them to balance professional, unbiased policing practices with political aforethought and citizen expectations. This study examines the unique role of the sheriff in Georgia and focuses on the combined role of law enforcement authority with political accountability. Specifically, does answering only to the people shape how authority, accountability, and policy decisions operate within the sheriff’s office? Using semi-structured interviews conducted with sheriffs across various counties, this research will explore how this unique role is navigated, existing accountability mechanisms, perceptions and commitment to public trust, and decision/policy making. By conducting these interviews with the sheriffs’ own perspectives, this project will show a deeper understanding of elected law enforcement positions in regards to transparency, interaccountability, oversight, and effective policy creations and enforcements.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-21-2026 9:45 AM
End Date
4-21-2026 10:00 AM
Recommended Citation
Davallou, Jeremiah, "Elected to Enforce: Examining the Role of Sheriff in Georgia" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 3.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026A/2026A/3
Elected to Enforce: Examining the Role of Sheriff in Georgia
Skidaway Meeting Room
Sheriffs, unlike other agency heads, operate as the head of a law enforcement agency, as well as an elected official.While chiefs of police and other agency heads answer to city counsels and mayors, the sheriff answers only to the people. This role requires them to balance professional, unbiased policing practices with political aforethought and citizen expectations. This study examines the unique role of the sheriff in Georgia and focuses on the combined role of law enforcement authority with political accountability. Specifically, does answering only to the people shape how authority, accountability, and policy decisions operate within the sheriff’s office? Using semi-structured interviews conducted with sheriffs across various counties, this research will explore how this unique role is navigated, existing accountability mechanisms, perceptions and commitment to public trust, and decision/policy making. By conducting these interviews with the sheriffs’ own perspectives, this project will show a deeper understanding of elected law enforcement positions in regards to transparency, interaccountability, oversight, and effective policy creations and enforcements.
