2023 was an outstanding year. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the things that the Sheriff’s Office accomplished during 2023 to serve you and keep you safe.

Throughout the year, the Sheriff’s Office answered 34,369 calls for service, served 8,757 criminal warrants and 20,938 civil papers, and conducted 1,361 traffic stops. Deputies also conducted 1,049 evictions, assisted 140 motorists, conducted 101 escorts, and completed 6,313 security checks of homes, churches, and businesses.

We were very busy at the Judicial Building as well, as 86,909 visitors came into the Judicial Building and 14,670 court proceedings were conducted. 75 people were booked at the Sheriff’s Office and 692 others were fingerprinted for other reasons, such as for background checks or firearms permit applications. We processed 3,099 bonds and 1,183 traffic citations. 

Our investigations unit handled 202 new cases. Our sex offender unit managed a monthly average of 249 registered sex offenders. Our AFIS unit examined 9,887 latent fingerprints and 2,937 pieces of evidence, making 310 identifications and generating 749 forensic reports.

The jail was jumping as well, where 10,955 were processed for admission or release and 38,172 visitors were processed through the Jail Lobby. The staff managed an average daily inmate population of 723, conducted 763 drug tests, and performed 3,416 background checks. An additional 8,147 court proceedings were conducted at the jail.

During this time, our staff maintained a high level of training, receiving mandatory instruction in firearms, defensive tactics, use of force, legal updates and other classes.

In the area of youth intervention, the Sheriff’s Office conducted 427 school visits, 85 home visits, and 49 interventions with troubled youth and their families. We also taught 78 character-education classes in local schools and spoke at 6 events throughout the year.

Yes, 2023 was a very challenging yet productive year. We are looking forward to 2024 and are ready to step up to the challenges this new year has to offer! If you have any concerns or would like more information about the mission and efforts of the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office, please feel free to contact us at (229) 430-6508 or (229) 302-3600. Thank you for your support and God bless!