Sheriff's Message

"The police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence." —Robert Peel

Sir Robert Peel established the London Metropolitan Police Force in 1829 and is recognized as the "Father of Modern Policing." He produced a list of guiding principles that remain as valid today as when they were written two centuries ago.

No. 3 on his list of nine guidelines is this: "To recognize always that to secure and maintain the respect and approval of the public means also the securing of the willing cooperation of the public in the task of securing observance of laws."

To maintain public safety and effectively serve our county, it is imperative that we connect with the community to build and maintain a strong relationship of mutual trust between our staff and the people we serve. We rely on the cooperation of residents to provide information about crime in their neighborhoods, and to work with the us to devise solutions to crime and disorder problems. Our ultimate success depends on the willingness of the people we protect to trust us.

One of the ways we will connect with the community is through our new website. Here, you will find information about the Harlason County Sheriff's Office, the most often used agency telephone numbers, important public notices, publicly needed forms, and useful links to other sites. Through our web site and web links, you will be able to search for sexual predators and sexual offenders and find information about inmates. You can also request copies of accident reports online, report suspicious or drug-related activity in your neighborhood anonymously, prepare and print useful forms for handgun purchases and concealed handgun permit applications and renewals, and find helpful information on every subject from laws you should know to car seats and boosters.

Our website gives us a means of building trust by staying in touch with the residents of Haralson County and our visitors. To make that easier, I provided a place for you to send e-mail to me with your suggestions and comments about the Sheriff's Office and these pages.

It is a distinct honor to serve the residents of Haralson County as sheriff and I am committed to providing efficient, effective, professional and results-oriented law enforcement. With courage, honor, and integrity the men and women of my department will protect the rights and dignity of all who live and visit here. In partnership with our communities, we will strive to preserve the peace and provide for a safe environment for all.

Sir Robert Peel said it best nearly 200 years ago: "The key to preventing crime is earning public support. Every community member must share the responsibility of preventing crime, as if they were all volunteer members of the force. They will only accept this responsibility if the community supports and trusts the police."