With a proven track record of exceptional leadership, unmatched dedication, and a relentless commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Douglas County, Democrat Tim Pounds stands ready to continue his outstanding service as your Sheriff. Sheriff Pounds is enthusiastic and optimistic as he prepares for his re-election campaign.
Background and Experience:
Sheriff Pounds was born and raised in Douglas County, which gives him a deeper understanding of the area’s unique needs and challenges. As a Douglas County native, he grew up in a large family of 14, where hard work and a strong sense of community were instilled in him at an early age. This home-grown perspective, along with his sense of pride in our community, is instrumental in his ability to effectively lead the Sheriff’s Office and effectively advocate for the residents as the county swiftly grows.
Sheriff Pounds has 47 years of law enforcement experience, including his tenure as Sheriff, all in Douglas County. Having worked his way up the ranks at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Sheriff Pounds developed a comprehensive knowledge of the criminal justice system, community policing, and crime prevention strategies. His extensive expertise and hands-on experience make him the best candidate to continue leading the Sheriff’s Office in safeguarding the lives and property of Douglas County’s residents.
Sheriff Pounds began his law enforcement career with the Douglasville Police Department. After serving two years with them, Sheriff Pounds joined the DCSO, under the leadership of Sheriff Earl D. Lee. Starting as a patrol deputy, Sheriff Pounds worked as an investigator, Patrol Sergeant, Warrant Sergeant, Warrant Lieutenant, and ended his 40 year career by retiring as a Captain over the Warrant, Civil, Transports, and Records Divisions, before running for Sheriff in 2016. During his career, Sheriff Pounds obtained invaluable experience in each level of supervision and management. As a Lieutenant in the Warrant Division, Sheriff Pounds was assigned to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, Elite Metro Atlanta Fugitive Squad, where he was tasked with tracking and apprehending some of the worst criminals society had to offer. In addition to his vast law enforcement, supervision and management experience, Sheriff Pounds is a graduate of Mercer University’s Public Safety Leadership Institute. After an impressive 38-year career, he felt that he could only achieve the change he wanted to see by serving as your sheriff. His dedication and commitment to Douglas County were rewarded in 2016, when you, the citizens of Douglas County, elected him as your Sheriff.
Sheriff Pounds’ platform then, and now, is fair and impartial law enforcement. His promise to you is that he will enforce laws equally, fairly, and justly for everyone in the community. With his years of experience, Sheriff Pounds recognizes the importance and effectiveness of community-oriented policing and routinely involves law enforcement in local events and activities to strengthen personal connections and foster trust with the community.
Accomplishments:
Throughout his tenure, Sheriff Pounds has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have significantly improved the safety and security of Douglas County. Under his leadership, not only has DCSO kept crime at bay, as of end of year 2022, Sheriff Pounds, along with his staff, have effectively lowered EVERY part one crime rate in unincorporated Douglas County (these are major crimes, such as murder, rape, and aggravated assault), compared to when he took office (https://sheriff.douglas.ga.us/crime-stats). This is very significant, as the County’s residential and daily commuter population have increased, combined with a reduction in staff due to a nationwide staffing shortage in law enforcement. In addition to lowering the part one crime rates, Sheriff Pounds has worked within his adopted annual budget every year since taking office in 2017.
Notable accomplishments during Sheriff Pounds’ previous terms include:
Implementing and maintaining community outreach programs that foster trust and collaboration between law enforcement and residents:
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- SCORPION Unit- Sheriff Pounds created the SCORPION Unit upon taking office. The SCORPION Unit is deployed in high crime areas to combat criminal activity head on. Their deployment is based on evidence-based policing practices, supported by crime analyst intelligence. Incidentally, Sheriff Pounds also created the crime analyst position, as DCSO never formally had one. In 2023, Sheriff Pounds pursued and was awarded a grant by the State of Georgia in the amount of $1,609,012.00. Utilizing this award, Sheriff Pounds expanded his SCORPION UNIT from four deputies to eleven and added two canines. This expansion allows the SCORPION UNIT to now operate 7 days a week.
- SCOPE Division (Sheriff’s Community Outreach Program and Education) – This division was created by Sheriff Pounds, upon taking office, to actively engage the citizens of Douglas County in a positive manner. Whether they are meeting with the community at small events, visiting schools, hosting community cookouts, or interacting with the public at large scale events, such as the annual Trunk-or-Treat, the SCOPE Division is building relationships with the community.
- Women’s Self Defense Classes – Provides instruction to the public on how to be aware of your surroundings and protect yourself.
- Re-Entry Program – Provides support and resources to individuals transitioning from incarceration, so they can be better prepared to rejoin society as productive members, reducing recidivism rates.
- Youth programs: Kids’ Law Enforcement Academy (KLEA) and D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) (The Douglas County School System no longer utilizes DCSO Deputies as School Resource Officers, but we continue to offer support, resources, specialized training, equipment, and manpower when needed).
- An ice cream truck, a sound truck, and bounce houses were purchased by Sheriff Pounds to engage youth and adults (Purchased with funds from asset forfeiture account at no cost to the taxpayers; all ice cream that is distributed is purchased with funds donated from the community)
- CARE Teen Driving Program – Educating teens to help them become better and safer drivers.
- Citizen’s Law Enforcement Academy – An opportunity for members of the community to join us and learn a little about what we do.
- Trunk-or-Treat – A joint event with the City of Douglasville Police Department, held annually at the Douglas County Courthouse.
- Grant Writer – This position was recently added and has already resulted in the aforementioned grant award, in the amount of$ 1,609,012.00
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- Implementation of a Crime Analyst position and advanced crime analysis tools.
- Worked in conjunction with Douglas County 911 to upgrade the communications system.
- Implementation of new or additional crime fighting technology throughout the County, such as 90 Flock cameras. These cameras have been purchased and installed throughout the County, providing immediate feedback, which has resulted in the recovery of numerous stolen vehicles, the apprehension of wanted persons, and information that has been instrumental in solving many investigations. Mobile tag readers and body cameras have also been updated and expanded.
- Sheriff Tim Pounds has demonstrated unwavering dedication to his deputies and a commitment to fostering a thriving law enforcement community in Douglas County. Since assuming office in 2017, his relentless efforts have resulted in an impressive 48.45% raise for deputies, elevating the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to one of the highest paid departments in the state of Georgia. Under Sheriff Pounds’ leadership, salaries experienced a significant ascent, climbing from $39,406.89 in 2017 to an impressive $58,499.97 in 2023. This remarkable achievement not only reflects Sheriff Pounds’ advocacy for fair compensation but also underscores his determination to attract and retain top-tier law enforcement professionals, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community he serves.
- Implemented a Take Home Car Program for the deputies. This is something many other agencies already provided, which was not obtainable prior to Sheriff Pounds’ administration.
- Sheriff Pounds has spearheaded a newly established 501c3 nonprofit Benevolent Fund to assist employees during hardships.
Platform for Re-election:
Sheriff Pounds remains dedicated to his mission and is not resting on his laurels. He continues to build on his past achievements and is implementing new strategies to address new and evolving challenges. His platform for re-election includes:
- Strengthening community policing efforts to build trust, foster positive relationships, and ensure effective communication between law enforcement and the members of our community.
- Expanding mental health programs and training for law enforcement personnel to better address mental health crises, reduce incarceration rates, and provide appropriate support for those in need.
- Enhancing school safety measures by partnering with the Douglas County School Police and implementing proactive security protocols to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff.
- Continuing to prioritize collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies, to combat drug trafficking, gang activity, violent crime, and other forms of organized crime.
- Emphasizing transparency and accountability within the Sheriff’s Office, through regular community engagements, officer training, corrective discipline, and implementing best practices in law enforcement.
Sheriff Tim Pounds is a visionary leader, dedicated to the safety and well-being of each and every one of Douglas County’s residents. With his extensive experience, steadfast commitment, and proven record of achievement, he is the clear choice for Sheriff. Cast your vote on May 21, 2024, to re-elect Sheriff Tim Pounds and share in his vision to keep Douglas County safe.
