Shirley Announces Re-Election Bid

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley says he will run for a third term.

Shirley announced last week that he will qualify as a Republican to run for re-election to the sheriff’s post.

He said it has been his greatest honor and blessing to serve as sheriff for the past seven years, adding that with the help of professional and talented law enforcement officers, the Sheriff’s Office has taken significant strides towards improving conditions within the community.

Shirley said he is proud of the clearance rate for criminal offenses his office has reached and also is proud of doing it under budget.

“Our clearance rates for criminal offense increased more than 80 percent,” said Shirley. “Another thing I am proud of is we have been under budget for the last seven years under my administration.”

Shirley also listed other accomplishments like joining the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office multi-agency drug task force, beginning a Sheriff’s Office Junior Deputy Academy, implementing a “narcotics detection dog,” obtaining recertification as a State Certified Agency, and starting a litter pickup unit, among others.

However, he said there is still more to be done.

Shirley said attrition rates among jailers is something he wants to continue working to address.

“When the salaries are about what you would get if you worked in a fast food store and the responsibilities you have when you work in the jail and you have to be certified, it is a high liability and it requires an enormous amount of time hiring someone for that position,” said Shirley.

Shirley also pointed to courthouse security improvements, completion of computerization of the evidence vault, and continued work with the drug task force as areas he wants to work on if re-elected.