Dougherty County Sheriff Kevin Sproul running for third term

ALBANY — Dougherty County Sheriff Kevin Sproul has thrown his trademark hat into the ring again, qualifying Monday at the Dougherty County Democratic Committee headquarters on South Slappey Boulevard to run for another term as the county’s top elected law enforcement official.

The long-time Albany resident has been working in Dougherty County law enforcement since 1982 and is completing his second four-year term as sheriff. He qualified Monday in the presence of supporters, including family, friends and co-workers.

While thanking his supporters, Sproul noted some of the accomplishments made during his first two terms, including the unity of the community and with other law enforcement agencies.

“This office is (meant) to serve the citizens of Dougherty County,” he said.

Sproul said there are already “irons in the fire” concerning what changes he wants to bring about in a third term. These include updating technology in the Dougherty County Jail and making changes to the grievance process.

Adjustments are also being sought in the jail’s General Educational Development program, specifically to expand it so there are more opportunities for female inmates to take part.

“We have had good success with men, but we have been dragging with women,” Sproul said.

The sheriff brought up his ability to be a good steward of funding, saying the department has not exceeded its budget under his leadership.

“My philosophy is that its not our money, it is the people’s money,” Sproul said. “If it was your money, would you spend it for that?”

Sproul added that he tries to treat each citizen as important, speaking with him or her directly. His attempts to unify the community, he said, have included participation in the Stop the Violence movement, community meals, giveaways and increased public openness.

Internally, he said, changes since his election in 2008 have included reorganization of the department to improve efficiency, enhanced communication on the command staff level, improved training of new staff members and superior accountability, improved responsiveness to inmate needs, and a new look for the deputies.

“We want to be the best we can be in the short time we have,” the sheriff said.

He said that continuing to make investments in deputy safety and terrorism training are other things he would like to work on.

“We have a lot we’ve worked on, and have a lot (to do) moving forward,” Sproul said.