The Importance of Continuing a Healthy Relationship With Law Enforcement in Cherokee County

By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

America has enjoyed a rich tradition of law enforcement weaved into the fabric of its identity. Notable personalities come to mind when one thinks about the lawmen of our past: Wyatt Earp, Elliott Ness, Bufford Pusser, and even Andy Taylor. History extends a certain reverence for strong men with a desire to fight crime and corruption from the saloons of the old west to the big city of New York.

Growing up, I was taught to respect law enforcement, especially when I got my first drivers license. In those days, Georgia State Patrol Sergeant Joel Rogers was the post commander in Canton, and Bo Ballard was the sheriff of Cherokee County. These were men who a kid my age respected but also feared a little not in a bad way but I knew not to cross that line.

My dad also made it very clear, If you get in trouble with either Joel or Bo, whatever happens on the side of the road with them, it will be twice as bad when you get home. Point being, there was a healthy respect for law enforcement and people in positions of authority.

Unfortunately, todays law enforcement is under attack from many different directions. Attacks from the media, attacks from social media scholars, attacks from keyboard commandos, and real attacks in the street. The attacks are so prevalent that people are reluctant to enter this profession.

I recently attended the National Sheriffs Institute in Arora, CO with sheriffs from all over the country. Sheriffs in that class shared one common problem, hiring deputies. Police departments are no different in that regard. Law enforcement agencies are losing veteran officers to other professions; employees are seeking early retirement; and recruitment is at an all-time low.

In Georgia, the same trend is occurring. For example, the Georgia State Patrol indicates it is short nearly 100 troopers; the Cobb County Police Department and the Cobb Sheriffs Office are down nearly 200 personnel. The Cherokee Sheriffs Office is down 35 deputies. Despite an increase in competitive salaries, benefit packages, and education opportunities, recruitment is still difficult.

When you combine the moral decay of our nation, the absence of dignity and respect for others, and the total lack of personal accountability, we are on a very slippery slope. So, where does that leave us? As a nation, we need to do a better job at supporting our law enforcement professionals and stop vilifying them based on their uniform.

Fortunately, we still live in a community where we have a positive and meaningful relationship with our law enforcement professionals. We need to continue to enhance that partnership in Cherokee County. People like you make a positive difference in the lives of these brave men and women who wear the badge. Your kind words of encouragement often make their day.

I ask for your support to ensure our deputies and police officers continue to have competitive salaries, the most modern equipment, and more importantly, that they have a meaningful relationship with you.