Peachtree – The McSwain Building at Tri-County Community College was the meeting place on June 3 for members of the community to voice their opinions regarding the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
In April, the sheriff’s office reached out to the U.S. Department of Justice seeking an independent review, which included the public’s input regarding their practices and overall performance.
The Community Stakeholders Meeting allowed residents to communicate what they believe the sheriff’s office is doing well as well as what needs to be improved. Chief Deputy Justin Jacobs and Capt. David Williams of the sheriff’s office were present to introduce two independent consultants, Fred Fletcher and Bonnie Sulkin, before leaving so people could speak freely without a law enforcement presence.
Fletcher is a multi-agency consultant specializing in victim-focused trauma-informed policing and leadership development. He is a retired chief of police in Chattanooga, Tenn., who established Chattanooga’s First Family Justice Center & Victim Services Unit, which have become a national model.
Sulkin is the founder and president of Sulkin Justice Consulting Inc., providing strategic consulting to non-profits, correctional, behavioral health and community reform organizations. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in sociology and criminology, and a master’s in forensic mental health counseling.
About 25 people were in attendance; the conversations were direct, yet civil. In general, people voiced that they thought the sheriff’s office is doing a good job, yet lacks the resources and cooperation to assist them from other entities.
One topic raised included wanting law enforcement officers to participate in events and activities that allow children to engage with them in a non-threatening way. Several people mentioned the resistance of county commissioners regarding leash laws and other animal control concerns, including costs.
Attendees also indicated they don’t receive a reply back after calling or emailing the sheriff’s office. They would like to see the sheriff’s office do a better job at responding to citizens.
Other frustrations voiced were about offenders continually being released to reoffend. The complaints blamed the District Attorney’s Office rather than the sheriff’s office for continually releasing alleged criminals back into the community. Citizens appeared discouraged with the revolving door of the court system, realizing law enforcement officers can only do so much.
Several people in the group suggested programs be created or utilized that would help those being released from jail re-enter the community with skill sets that would help them succeed and not reoffend. Other topics discussed include insufficient patrol staffing, forfeiture funds use, mental health and substance abuse response, as well as
the need for enhanced training.
Kudos went to the sheriff’s office for prompt and supportive response, support for community initiatives, no misconduct complaints and willingness to engage.
Fletcher and Sulkin gathered the public’s input, which will be relayed to the sheriff’s office and help assist in identifying issues. They will also offer recommendations before the sheriff’s office makes any appropriate changes.