I am a 52-year-old Lamar County native. My wife Barbara and I have been married for 34 years and have 4 children. I am a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Barnesville and Pinta Masonic Lodge 88.

After graduating from Lamar County High School in 1973. I attended Gordon College and received an “Associate of Science” in Business Administration. I attended Mercer University and received a Bachelor of Science in Social Science (Criminal Justice). I hold two certifications from Georgia Peace Officer Standard & Training Council (P.O.S.T.). During the past 26 years of my career, I have completed many advanced training classes such as an 80-hour criminal investigations course, 40 hour Kenesic Interview Technique, 40-hour narcotics for patrol officers, and 40-hour law enforcement rescue diving.

I began my law enforcement career in 1978 with Spalding County Sheriff’s Office serving as watch commander for 5 years. In 1983 I accepted a “boating safety officer” position with Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources (L/E) on Richard B. Russell Lake in Elbert County. In 1993 I was promoted to Administrative Sergeant in charge of equipment, uniforms, supplies, budget, and expenditures, for enforcement personnel in the Manchester District.

In 1998 I was assigned to a field supervisory position in charge of 8 counties. One of which is my native county -- Lamar. I have worked closely with the judicial systems, sheriff’s offices, and federal offices (U.S.F.W.S.) in 24 different counties.

On April 30, 2004 (after 20 years of credible service with D.N.R.) I resigned my position as a Conservation Sergeant in order to qualify for sheriff. I believe it is time for change in the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office.

Since elected, I have re-evaluated the mission and long-term goals of the department. Programs have been analyzed to see if they are cost effective. There were situations where the sheriff’s office resources and assets needed to be re-directed. Duplication of services, such as traffic enforcement, are now being worked primarily by state agencies such as G.S.P. and D.O.T.

I believe the citizens of Lamar would be better served by prioritizing law enforcement efforts. Lamar County will always play a role in serious traffic violations where public safety is an issue, but should not play an aggressive lead role in nonessential traffic enforcement. Felony crimes such as drugs, burglaries, and theft of personal property should rate among the highest on a priority scale of enforcement duties.

I believe that the drug epidemic that plagues our county should be attacked aggressively. We should re-evaluate ineffective enforcement efforts and rekindle partnership with other local agencies in order to develop a task force that will be more effective.

Finally, your sheriff should be a public servant to ALL of its citizens. I believe that each certified officer or sheriff employee should be held to the highest standard of conduct and ethics and be held accountable for their behavior both on and off duty. I am confident that we can make a law enforcement agency that we will be proud of.

© 2008 Joe Buice for Sheriff