I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for Clayton County Sheriff in 2024. As a product and long-time resident of this community, I have seen firsthand the importance of having a strong and dedicated law enforcement team. With my 23 years of experience in law enforcement, time as Chief of Police and my commitment to serving our community as Chairman of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners, I am confident that I am the right person for the job.
My top priorities as your sheriff will be to ensure the safety and security of our residents AND pre-trial detainees, to build strong relationships between law enforcement and the community, and to work tirelessly to reduce crime in our neighborhoods alongside our county and city police agencies. I believe that communication, transparency, and accountability are the keys to achieving these goals, and I am committed to upholding these values as your sheriff.
I am grateful for the support of my family, friends, and fellow community members as I embark on this new and exciting journey. Together, we can work to create a brighter future for Clayton County.
My family and I are grateful for your support. I look forward to earning your vote on Tuesday, May 21, 2024!
The son of Eddie and the late Classie Turner moved to Clayton County with his family in 1978. After receiving his diploma at Morrow High School, he graduated from West Georgia College in 1986 where he earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Chairman Turner earned his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University.
Chairman Turner began his career with Clayton County in 1987, as a patrolman with the Clayton County Police Department. As a new hire, he was one of only four African-American officers on the police force. Following 20 years of loyal service to Clayton County, then Assistant Chief Jeffrey E. Turner was appointed as the first African-American Chief of the Clayton County Police Department on March 20, 2007. In addition, as Chief of Police, Chairman Turner initiated and acquired National Accreditation for the Clayton County Police Department. Chairman Turner is a graduate of the 217th Session of the F.B.I. National Academy.
Chairman Turner has earned his reputation as an honest and approachable leader, who is dedicated to the citizens and businesses of Clayton County.He devotes a tremendous amount of time and effort to enable cooperation and innovative interaction between the community at large and all Clayton County government departments. It is Jeff Turner’s belief that we all play a vital role in building a better future and quality of life for every citizen in every community. As Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, he provides dependable leadership in the development of a progressive vision for Clayton County.
Responsible for daily operations, the Chairman ensures that the majority is able to effectively transact the business of the County Government, and at the same time, protects the right of the minority to be heard. Since taking office, Chairman Turner has been appointed to numerous committees which include the Governor’s Funding Committee on Juvenile Justice, the Executive Board of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), and the Metro Urban Chairs Committee, just to name a few.
Chairman Turner and Mrs. Darlene Turner have four sons and two grandsons, and attend the Greater Works Missionary Baptist Church located in Forest Park, Georgia. Inaugurated as Chairman of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners on December 22, 2012, Jeffrey E. Turner serves, with distinction, as Clayton County’s Chief Elected Official and represents the entirety of Clayton County.
As your next Sheriff, I will work hard to:
· Not just stand for the "status quo" of the Sheriff’s Office, but to improve it by bringing innovative and solution driven ideas to guide it.
· Reunite all of the law enforcement entities within the county by creating an environment where everyone works together. I believe "That success is working together on solutions to overcome the public safety challenges that face our county and its citizens."
· Be fiscally responsible by utilizing taxpayer's money in a responsible, transparent and reasonable manner to provide the best protection and services to the citizens of Clayton County.
· Regain control of the county jail and establish procedures for greater safety for the detainees and the employees.
My campaign platform includes the following points:
1. Restore state and national credibility to the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office by:
- Gaining National Accreditation
- Engaging the community through enhanced Community Policing
- Greater transparency to the community and the media
2. Address Mental Health issues in the jail by utilizing mental health professionals, who can help with the placement of those arrested who exhibit signs of a mental illness and should not be in a jail environment. Make Crisis Intervention Training mandatory for all employees to increase their awareness of someone who may be mentally ill.
3. The sheriff’s department can make the county safer by concentrating on its core duties of Courthouse security, serving civil and criminal warrants and maintaining and running the county jail. In addition to those constitutional duties, to keep the citizens safe, the sheriff’s office should collaborate and work closely with the county and city police departments in a support role and as needed.
4. Financial Responsibility:
- To strengthen the sheriff’s office by requesting a reasonable budget to adequately address the needs of the department. The men and women of the sheriff’s office deserve to be equipped with the best equipment available for their safety and the safety of the citizens.
5. Effective Communications:
- Increase communications with citizens and other law enforcement entities through social media platforms, print and news outlets.
- Improve the departments image and relationship with media outlets to increase transparency and trust in the community.
Proven Leadership!
Jeff graduated from Morrow High School in Clayton County, has been a county employee for over 35 years and has served as Chairman of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners since 2013.
Jeff achieved National Accreditation for the Clayton County Police Department and implemented Community Oriented policing, Citizens Police Academy and Neighborhood Watch Programs.
Jeff has raised money and toys annually for Clayton County children in foster and kinship care for over 20 years.
“Together, We Can Build a Better Clayton”
Email:
ElectJeffTurner@gmail.com
Mailing Address:
Donations can be mailed to:
Committee to Elect Jeff Turner
P.O. Box 870216
Morrow, Georgia 30287
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