Opinion ID: 76264
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: State Investigation and Suspension

Text: 34 The State, not counties, has the right to investigate and suspend sheriffs. If a sheriff is suspected of any misconduct, the Governor may initiate an investigation and may suspend the sheriff. O.C.G.A. § 15-16-26(a), (c). 19 The investigation is conducted by a committee, composed of two sheriffs, who are selected by the Governor, and the State Attorney General, and is funded by the State. O.C.G.A. § 15-16-26(a). Within thirty days, the committee provides the Governor a report of its investigation. O.C.G.A. § 15-16-26(b). If the committee recommends suspension, the Governor may suspend the sheriff for up to sixty days and may extend that suspension for thirty additional days. O.C.G.A. § 15-16-26(c). The Governor also is authorized to request the district attorney of the county of the sheriff's residence to bring a removal petition against the sheriff. Id. 20 35