Those who hold the office of sheriff in Georgia are unique among law enforcement professionals in our state, as they are elected constitutional officers. They are the chief law enforcement officers in each of our 159 counties. They not only have the authority to enforce the law, they have the duty to preserve the peace through enforcement of the law. No others have such duty.
In fulfilling their fundamental duty to protect our citizens, sheriffs also operate county jails, register sex offenders, protect our courthouses, serve the courts, transport individuals with mental illness and provide many other functions. Sheriffs are uniquely aligned with, and sensitive to, the needs of our citizens due to the exposure to the public through the performance of these mandates.
It is safe to say our sheriffs are people of great compassion. They agree that most of those who made bad decisions deserve a second chance at restoring their lives by becoming law-abiding, productive citizens. The sheriffs do not, however, believe those who continue to prey on innocent citizens through assault, thievery, deceit and the sale of drugs should be given three or more chances to obey the law.
During the past week, the U.S. Department of Justice granted the early release of over 6,000 felons nationwide who are said to have committed nonviolent drug offenses. Reports indicate these inmates were released because the U.S. Sentencing Commission believed their sentences were too harsh, and to relieve prison overcrowding.
Though the reasons given for this mass release undoubtedly have merit in some cases, there remains cause for public concern. Our citizens must understand these individuals are serving sentences for nonviolent drug offenses as defined by the Sentencing Commission and are being released under policy set by the Justice Department.
The fact remains, however, many of these offenders may have extensive criminal histories not specifically related to their current offenses and incarceration — a fact not publicly acknowledged that will impact the safety of our citizens.
The public has the right to know who walks among them, and our sheriffs and local police departments must be able to identify those released who pose the greatest threat to the lives and property of our citizens. After all, the safety of our citizens is the first and foremost responsibility of government.
J. Terry Norris is executive director of the Georgia Sheriffs Association.
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