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Perry promises financial leadership as Dawson County Sheriff
7 Jeff Perry - Candidate for Dawson County Sheriff.jpg
Jeff Perry

Candidate for Dawson County Sheriff

Name: Jeff Perry

Age: 55

How Long have you lived in Dawson County: 31 years

Occupation: Teacher at DCHS and retired State of Georgia Law Enforcement Officer

Education: Bachelor of Science from Georgia Southern University, grad courses at University of North Georgia, GA Teacher Certification and Public Managers Program Graduate from the Carl Vincent Institute at UGA

Political Experience: Ran for Dawson County Sheriff in 2016

Career experience: 30 years with the State of Georgia, 27 with State Parole

Community involvement: Deacon at Liberty Baptist Church (Past Chairman of Deacon Board), Civitan International, Past memberships in the Jaycees and Rotary, Former Scout Leader, NRA, Ga Sheriff’s Association, National Major Gang Task Force, Peace Officers of Georgia, Leadership Dawson Graduate, Dawson County Junior High Asst. Basketball Coach, Park and Rec. Coach in basketball, baseball and soccer.

Why are you running for Dawson County Sheriff?

First, to bring capable leadership to the Sheriff’s Department. I want to prepare the sheriff's department for future community growth and economic development. Finally, as public servants we have to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. I will bring financial leadership to the sheriff’s department. I will be a financial leader that is able to get the most out of their budget even in times of economic downturn.

What makes you the best candidate for Dawson County Sheriff?

My leadership and management experience makes me the best candidate for Sheriff. I have more than 28 years of experience in law enforcement most of which was in leadership and management positions.  I have experience in setting strategic planning and directing operations. 

What do you consider to be the biggest challenge you will face as sheriff and how do you plan to address this concern?

Retention and recruitment of quality employees is the biggest challenge facing the Sheriff’s Department at this time.  We must reduce attrition and keep people at the Sheriff’s Office.

I’m a firm believer that you hire your problems. One thing that I have learned is you never compromise your hiring standards. One way to improve retention is:

●        Practice promoting from within.

●        Establish a tiered pay system to reward employees with advanced degrees. 

●        Provide scholarships to employees who wish to further their education. 

●        Provide bonuses to employees who assume extra duties. 

What will be your top three priorities as sheriff and why?

Keep our citizens safe and informed by using every tool at our disposal to enforce the law

Practicing Proactive Policing by utilizing:

●        Data-Driven Policing

●        Hotspot policing tactics

●        Problem-Oriented Policing

●        Community Oriented Policing

●        Starting a Reserve Officers Program of trained volunteers

●        Enhanced Neighborhood Watch Program Citizens on Patrol Volunteer Units. 

Ensure Fiscal Responsibility to protect taxpayers. I will keep Dawson County safe at the lowest cost to the taxpayers. I will practice results-based budgeting. I will eliminate duplication of services and utilize county services that are available at no cost to the Sheriff's Department. 

Aggressive and proactive campaign against drugs in our community through enforcement and education. I will seek to become part of a Drug Task Force so that we can eradicate drugs from our community. 

What is your definition of leadership and what are some examples of leadership positions you have held throughout your career?

A person who practices humility.  My leadership style is that of a servant leader, a person who serves first and leads second.

                Leadership Positions:

●        Chief for 18 years

●        Assistant Chief

●        1996 Olympics

●        2004 G-8 Summit

●        Firearms Instructor

●        Senior Auditor, State of GA

●        Chairman of Deacon Board

●        Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

●        Numerous State and Federal Task Forces

●        Arrest Team Coordinator

How are you preparing to take office?

I’m meeting with local citizens and DCSO employees to listen to their concerns they may have.  I’m putting together a transition team made up of community business leaders, community Church’s, educators and former law enforcement officers to assist in problem-solving and policy recommendations. I’ve reviewed budget information and spoken with local elected leaders.