.
Feedback

Sheriff Garrison Seeks 6th Term

But he faces a challenge from fellow Republican David Waters.

Sheriff Roger Garrison has announced his bid for reelection in the July 2012 polls, according to a release.

Garrison will be running against

Who's the better candidate: Waters or Sheriff Garrison? Let us know in the comment box below.

In his announcement, Garrison said he will continue to be devoted to the safety of Cherokee County residents and the proactive measure that will decrease crime in the county.

His platform for reelection hits heavy on hot-button issues in Cherokee County, particular illegal immigration.

"My top priority is to ensure the safety of our community by working with all local, state and federal agencies to develop response plans to foreign and domestic threats and to identify individuals involved in organized crime including gangs, prostitution and fraudulent activities,” Garrison said in the release. “We will continue to focus our efforts on identifying illegal aliens involved in organized crime including drug sales, prostitution and gang affiliations which threaten our community."

After plans to identify illegal aliens, Garrison said he wanted to participate in a federal program that will reimburse the county for the money they spend to

Can his past accomplishments win him another term as sheriff? Garrison seems to think so.

The release itemized his accomplishments in the past five terms:

  • He was the first Georgia sheriff to receive the Egon Bittner Accreditation Award.
  • Under his leadership, the Cherokee County Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad has become one of the "most efficent and aggressive agencies in the country" and will continue to focus on gang investigations and the increased abuse of prescription drugs.
  • He serves as chairman of the Georgia Peace Officers Annuity and Benefit Board.
  • He also serves on the State Board of Corrections that sets and monitors policies for the state’s 60,000 inmates and 14,000 employees.
  • Garrison was recognized with the Georgia Sheriff’s President’s Award and the FBI Joint Task Force Corruption Commendation.

Past his accomplishments and plans to move forward with increased immigration enforcement, the release stated that Garrison will operate the within the budget set by the

He vows to keep all precincts open despite budget cuts and the loss of 30 deputy positions over the last three years.

To do this, Garrison proposes a system of volunteers to meet additional needs in each precinct.

The General Primary Election is July 31.

Concerned Citizen February 4, 2012 at 11:40 pm
Seeing David Waters sign all over town, looks like a good time for change, I talked to several of our deputies and they all seem really intelligent, what doesn't Garrison think so.
Concerned For Cherokee May 25, 2012 at 01:55 am
True Tax Payer! One supervisor could pay for 3 deputies! Did you know it's only required that 3 deputies work each precinct at a time?? That means if all three deputies are tied up at the time your house is being burglarized... Yep- you're screwed! Because we all know supervisors are only there to supervise!
Mary K June 16, 2012 at 11:30 am
I agree. David Waters is the better choice. I also believe David Waters has better judgement when it comes to experience in police situations as well as good character and ethics! I say let us vote David Waters in July 31st.
Mary K June 16, 2012 at 11:35 am
Yes, out with the old and in with the new.
Wahrheit-Teller July 11, 2012 at 06:37 am
I support Roger Garrison because his Sheriff's Department is one of the best trained in the state. At a time when other agencies are cutting back on training, having to furlough officers, and in some cases outright let people go, Sheriff Garrison is able to maintain an outstanding department under budget.
Wahrheit-Teller July 11, 2012 at 07:04 pm
And I have talked with plenty of deputies who support Garrison over a candidate who throws their own people under the bus ( or would if he was Sheriff). Not to mention the great reputation the Cherokee County Sheriff's office has with other agencies through the state and country. Other agencies send their people here to train with the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office and see how they do things because of the level of professionalism that organization has under Roger Garrison.
And to Mary K saying the officers there were not trained and "bullies". Educate yourself. No seriously. Take a look at the amount of training the Sheriff's office requires and compare that to what other agencies require. Take a look at how much training the HNT team gets compared to other agencies in the metro Atlanta area. Cobb County is lucky if their HNT gets one day of training a month. At one time Cherokee was doing two days of training a month . You call them bullies? I say you are ignorant of proper tactical and procedural techniques and in your ignorance you think something is being a bully just because you don't see why they do it that way. You have just how much training and experience in these matters? Have you talked with actually employed ( not fired and bitter) law enforcement personnel and asked them what is and is not tried and true practices? No? Well I have. Numerous times. Citizens have a right to speak out but try to actually know what you are talking about in the 1stplace
Mary K July 11, 2012 at 07:20 pm
This is what I love about USA, we are all entitled to have our own opinions!
Thank you Sir, my vote will be for David Waters!
JustTheFaxMaam July 11, 2012 at 08:14 pm
Apparently a lot of people in Cherokee and other counties have an axe to grind with Sheriff Garrison and the Cherokee County Sheriff's department, due in part to their prior arrest records. And then had it confirmed by a friend that indeed, this is the truth. That may be why it is virtually impossible for some on here to discuss the campaigns of both candidates in a fair manner. Just my 2 cents worth.
Rodney Thrash (Editor) July 11, 2012 at 08:29 pm
@JustTheFaxMaam: I'm not sure I understand your comment. Supporters and opponents of Sheriff Garrison have been able to comment on this site just as supporters and opponents of David Waters have been able to comment. There have been cases where a few individuals have violated our terms of service and used aliases as opposed to their legal first and last name. They've also leveled unfounded allegations against both men, also under aliases. On a case-by-case basis—and on an extremely rare occasion—we have removed comments and/or suspended privileges because the discussions had nothing to do with the issues of the race. All we've asked is that people conduct themselves in a mature, professional manner in this space. Unfortunately, people tend not to abide by that simple request as it relates to this topic and many others.
Concerned For Cherokee July 11, 2012 at 10:27 pm
Rodney, the way I read "JustTheFaxMaam" was saying they can't speak due to fear of something. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think it was criticizing The Patch??
Concerned For Cherokee July 11, 2012 at 10:33 pm
Wahrheit- Your statement "At one time Cherokee was doing two days of training a month" is true. AT ONE TIME, they did train often. Now, not so much. They may train once/ month. The Sheriff's office requires the same 40 hours as any other county in Georgia, and that is state required by any agency. It is not required for a law enforcement officer to take additional classes. It's really hard to believe you've spoken with any officers at Cherokee about what is and is not tried and true practices and received the facts considering policy requires them to tell you only positive information about Cherokee Sheriffs Office and Roger Garrison.
Please don't belittle others unless you have the facts.
Wahrheit-Teller July 13, 2012 at 12:09 am
Concerned Citizen. You might want to get your facts straight before you get humiliated. Seriously. I am going to give you some time to actually do some research. Here, let me help you http://www.gapost.org/faqs.html
And the reason they do it once a month now is budget issues and time constraints on the team members which now i am told consist of not just Sheriff's Office deputies but officers from Woodstock and school police. I will tell you what. I am feeling generous. The answer is really easy to find if one knows where to look. I will help ya out on this one. http://www.gapost.org/postAct/35821.html
Wahrheit-Teller July 13, 2012 at 12:10 am
Oh and do tell ...what exactly is this policy which prohibits Sheriff's Deputies in this county and OTHER COUNTIES ( yes..I ask other people) from talking about tactics and applications of the law in private among friends/family/fellow students. Please...enlighten us.
JustTheFaxMaam July 13, 2012 at 12:16 am
No Rodney, the point I failed miserably to make is that some supporters of David Waters have had run ins with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department and IMO this is why they are not able to post without taking personal jabs at Roger Garrison. Becasue of this, I wonder if many on here are not necessarily voting for David but are voting against Roger for this reason alone.
Cherokee Citizen July 13, 2012 at 12:32 am
It's ashame our own Sheriff can't support more education for our officers in Cherokee County! However, he's full of excuses!
I hope our citizens will step up and understand that Mr. Garrison is ALL politics and nothing to back him in accomplishments for victims of any kind! That includes the Rivera and Messina Family! Cherokee sheriff: Mistake made during Rivera investigationhttp://www.ajc.com/news/cherokee/cherokee-sheriff-mistake-made-1260332.htmlTwo Cherokee County Sheriff's deputies will face disciplinary action for failing to immediately report
Wahrheit-Teller July 13, 2012 at 12:36 am
Ahh...cut an paste advocacy.
1 case does not = hundreds of cases. Really simple. Hate to burst your talking point.
Cherokee Citizen July 13, 2012 at 12:40 am
Forsyth County and other counties protect their victims of family violence! Why doesn't Cherokee County? Does Mr. Garrison have passion and heart for the women and children who are left without food and shelter? Does he ensure they are protected! I am here as a survivor to tell you "NO"! The federal government had to step in and help my family! That is why I'm here to voice my opinions! I have EVERY right after what we have been through in cherokee county! The victims mentioned below can not tell you how callously they were treated by Cherokee County Sheriff's led by Mr. Garrison - but I can! And, I'd bet you their families can!
Three Cherokee County victims who were killed this year were in the hearts of many of the attendees as their wooden silhouette statues built in their remembrance stood near the crowd. Shannon Lawrence, Minnie Carr and her son, Casey Conley, all died in domestic violence-related incidents this past summer. http://www.cherokeetribune.com/view/full_story/16092682/article-Vigil-shines-light-on-3-773-calls-for-help?instance=home_news_left Read more: Cherokee Tribune - Vigil shines light on 3 773 calls for help
Wahrheit-Teller July 13, 2012 at 12:46 am
You do know Cherokee County has a Battered Women's shelter right?
Mary K July 13, 2012 at 12:48 am
Wow--how progressive.
Cherokee Citizen July 13, 2012 at 12:50 am
I sent an email to both Roger Garrison and David Waters. I questioned them as to how they would change policy and procedures to protect the victims of Domestic Violence in the future. I pointed out what my family had been through and how I had begged Mr. Moss, Mr. Garrison and others to help me and my children. After all, I'd earned in excess of $200k and paid astronomical taxes to earn that right prior to meeting my abusive husband!
Mr. Garrison didn't even bother emailing me back! Mr. Waters actually took the time to call and tell me his story. I've been honored to meet Mr. Waters and his wife Brenda and I have to tell you - their passion is for the "people" and its obvious! They also support policy and procedural changes in family disputes - as with the Messina family! Mr. Garrison just pushes it under the rug and hasn't offered any resolution to policies and proceedures! https://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/justice-for-andrew-messina-policy-procedure-change-to-protect-juveniles-from-deadly-force-by-law-enforcement
Mary K July 13, 2012 at 12:52 am
God bless you Terri. I am with you! Thanks for sharing about the character of the candidates running!
Concerned For Cherokee July 13, 2012 at 04:51 am
Wahrheit- you send a dog to a shelter and forget about them, not women and children! That doesn't fix the problem, it just moves it out of sight, out of mind.
Concerned For Cherokee July 13, 2012 at 04:57 am
I never said other counties have a policy regarding speaking negative about their county. That is Cherokee's policy and Roger's policy. And yes, if my son works for Roger Garrison and he tells me something negative about the agency and I repeat it and it gets back to his command staff, it is grounds for termination.
Concerned For Cherokee July 13, 2012 at 05:06 am
Proven point Terri. If you were handing money to Roger for his campaign, he'd find time for you. David has always been there for his people, regardless of the need. I wish I could say the same for Roger. I wish I could say Roger has been to my local precinct in the past, oh, ummm.... 8 years to check on his guys or has been there when I've called. You would think an elected official would try and gain votes by taking calls during an election year. Heck, even Chip Rogers knocked on my door today! With my personal opinion to the side, I do respect him for trying to be in touch with his voters one-on-one. Do you know Roger went to a local business recently, didn't even introduce himself (guess he thought they should KNOW THE sheriff), but had the nerve to ask if he could put a sign next to their David Waters sign and when he was told no, he walked away?? He didn't care why or ask why they were voting for David. He had one thing on his mind- his campaign. He didn't even care enough to ask why he wasn't getting her vote or what he could do to earn her vote. He simply doesn't care.
Wahrheit-Teller July 13, 2012 at 10:47 am
Well darn, I guess I got blackmail material now don't because I've talked with deputies who have disagreed with some things in their agency but guess what? They still love their agency and the training , support they get from the Sheriff. Oh and...did you happen to take a gander at those hours required by the state?
And I don't just talk to Cherokee Deputies either. I've talked with other deputies and officers too who praise the Cherokee County Sheriff's office. But wait...they must clearly be afraid for their jobs. Oh wait...they don't have jobs with the Sheriff's office.I guess the next time I am passing through GPSTC on my way to Florida, I need to remind them not to talk about how well respected Cherokee County is because I can clearly see they are biased and afraid of losing their jobs.
Concerned For Cherokee July 13, 2012 at 07:29 pm
Heres your Cherokee Policy:
Code of Conduct Policy # 01-03-02 Effective Date: December 20, 2010 UNBECOMING CONDUCT: Employees shall conduct themselves at all times, both on and off duty, in such a manner as to reflect most favorably on the agency. Conduct unbecoming shall include that which tends to discredit or cause the public to loose confidence in the agency or Cherokee County government; which is prejudicial to good order; First recommended action: Open recommendation Also, in regards to training- the electives are not ABOVE the 40 hours training, but part of the 40 hour training. You cannot take all the classes you want- there's an 80 hour cap. And FYI- Alpharetta provides 48 hours of training/ year, Marietta provides 100-150 hours of training/ year, and even Cartersville gives more than 40 hours! And those are only the three agencies I called this morning.
Wahrheit-Teller July 13, 2012 at 11:55 pm
So this policy which is supposed to silence deputies is in fact a policy very similar to one used in other agency describing proper conduct. Oh so scandalous.
And so you admit to being wrong about the Sheriffs Office requiring the same 40 hours as any other county , when it is in fact double what POST requires? 80 hour cap? Well darn I guess there are quite a few deputies breaking the rules on that one because I have a neighbor who has easily over 120 and the year is not even over. Oh wait...I forget. I have blackmail material on him too don't I?
Wahrheit-Teller July 13, 2012 at 11:58 pm
http://shr.elpasoco.com/NR/rdonlyres/7A3D02A5-E92B-4055-AF7E-90D92A3DF6D3/0/code_of_conduct.pdf CONTROLLING THEIR MINDS!
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/code_conduct.shtml Thought police I tell ya! http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/CJST/Menu/Officer-Requirements-Main-Page/LE-Ethical-Standards-of-Conduct.aspx I guess we can never ask them their opinions. Because their evil bosses will fire them.
Cherokee Citizen July 14, 2012 at 12:00 am
Wahrheit-Teller are you paid social media for Mr. Garrison? I'm not being curt. Just wondering why you are so passionate! Can you give me some quality - non-defensive positive enforcement to why Mr. Garrison warrants re-election since Mr. Garrison hasn't, personally, offered to answer questions in any forum. How many babies lives has he saved, personally? How many teenagers lives has he taken the time to mold, after finding them in trouble for the first or second time - besides his own family? He's been in office a long time so there has to be one or two positive stories, right?
Rico July 17, 2012 at 12:48 am
Warheit is German for truth. This egomaniac has appointed himself Warheit Spreichter Ze Deutschland or truth teller of Germany. The problem is this aint Germany. You don't suppose he is a "Truth Nazi" do you? If so he may have found the right company to keep.

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Canton-Sixes Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something