Opinion ID: 76264
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: State Controls Qualifications, Salary and Training

Text: 32 The Georgia legislature also has declared that proper qualifications and standards be required of the ... sheriff so as to increase the effectiveness of the several sheriffs of this state as law enforcement officers to combat crime. O.C.G.A. § 15-16-1(a). The State mandates a detailed set of qualifications that a person must satisfy to be a candidate for the sheriff's office in any county. See O.C.G.A. § 15-16-1(a)-(c). For example, the State requires that a sheriff be at least twenty-five years old, not have a felony record, be a resident of the county for at least two years prior to offering candidacy, and be a registered or certified peace officer or complete the requirements of being a certified peace officer within six months after taking office. O.C.G.A. § 15-16-1(c)(1)(B), (D), (F), (J). The State sets the sheriffs' minimum salary and requires that it be paid from county funds based on the county's population. O.C.G.A. § 15-16-20(a)(1). 33 In addition, the State fixes the training requirements for sheriffs-elect and existing sheriffs in all counties. O.C.G.A. § 15-16-3. Notably, if a sheriff fails to comply with the annual training requirements, the Governor may suspend the sheriff without pay for ninety days. O.C.G.A. § 15-16-3(e)(4). Newly-elected sheriffs must complete specialized training provided by the Georgia Sheriffs' Association with the assistance of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. O.C.G.A. § 15-16-3(b). Thereafter, sheriffs must complete at least twenty hours of training annually. O.C.G.A. § 15-16-3(e)(1). The Georgia Sheriffs' Association uses state or federal funds to cover all training costs. O.C.G.A. § 15-16-3(d). The State further mandates that a sheriff's failure to complete training requirements will result in the loss of arrest powers. O.C.G.A. § 15-16-3(b), (e)(4).