Q&A: Richmond County sheriff Democratic candidates talk misconduct, transparency and more

One of the biggest Augusta-area offices up for grabs for the 2024 Primary election in Augusta is Richmond County sheriff. Three names are on the Democratic ticket: Incumbent Richard Roundtree, Eugene "Gino Rock" Brantley (a former Richmond County sheriff's deputy and sergeant with the Marshal's Office), and Bo Johnson (a former Richmond County sheriff's deputy and federal air marshal).

The Augusta Chronicle asked all three a set of questions that address some major points of concern for voters. Below are their responses, which were provided via email.

Why are you running for sheriff?

Roundtree: I am running for a fourth term as sheriff to continue to serve a community that has done so much for me and to complete all of the promises I made when I was first elected.

Brantley: I'm running for sheriff because the current state of the sheriff's office is unacceptable. Citizens aren't receiving the quality of service they deserve, with issues like long response times and low morale among officers. With my 23 years of law enforcement experience, I understand these issues firsthand, because I’m actually out in the community working with the people we serve. I believe in being accessible, active, and approachable. My strong work ethic that goes beyond a traditional 9-5 job. I will work to ensure the safety of both citizens and officers, address the shortage of officers, and tackle rising crime rates.

Johnson: I decided to run for sheriff because it is clear that the sheriff's department needs new leadership. The Richmond County Sheriff's Office was once a proud agency that earned community respect and had deputies who took pride in their work, appearance, and conduct. Unfortunately, this is not the case currently. I believe Richmond County deserves better law enforcement representation, full service from the sheriff's office, and safer communities, which the current administration is not providing. I believe I can provide the accountable leadership needed to create a safer community.

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What is your stance on misconduct in the sheriff’s office and how do you plan to prevent further incidents from occurring?

Roundtree: Unfortunately, I believe that our stance has been demonstrated many times over the past 12 years. We will not tolerate deputy misconduct and when it occurs, we will not only terminate the offender but criminally prosecute if the situation dictates. We have since added some additional layers of vetting during our hiring process and have had no further incidents since that time.

Brantley: Misconduct in the sheriff's office undermines trust and integrity, and it must be addressed swiftly and effectively. I'll establish clear policies and procedures for reporting and investigating misconduct, with consequences for violations. Not just implementing body cameras, but actually reviewing the footage. We’ll also use regular performance evaluations, and citizen oversight committees will enhance transparency and accountability within the department. Additionally, providing ongoing training on ethical conduct and de-escalation techniques will reinforce positive behavior and professionalism among officers. Some of the misconduct slipped under the radar due to vast staffing shortages. I have a plan to recruit and retain the deputies we need to make Richmond County safer.

Johnson: I believe misconduct is a leadership problem. When there is a lack of leadership, it affects the entire team. By placing the right individuals in leadership positions throughout the sheriff's office, we can promote a more professional agency. I also support the Active Bystanding in Law Enforcement (ABLE) model, which empowers individuals, regardless of rank, to call out misconduct by their peers without fear of repercussions.

How do you intend to fill the holes in staffing, and once filled, what new jobs would you like to create?

Roundtree: We now have two full-time deputies devoted strictly to recruiting. We have also recently hired another human resources specialist to streamline and expedite background investigations.  Despite the challenges that many law enforcement agencies are having with recruiting, we are seeing our numbers improving.

Brantley: Addressing staffing shortages is a top priority. I plan to implement better recruitment strategies, including offering incentives and improving officer morale through appreciation and support. We can tap into our partners at Augusta Tech and incentivize service members previously stationed at Fort Eisenhower. As we fill these holes, I also aim to create new positions focused on community policing, mental health intervention, and youth engagement. We’ll build a Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) with community partners to help those struggling on the streets. These roles will ensure that we have the resources and personnel needed to address the diverse needs of our community effectively.

Johnson: With a change in leadership and the promise of a more professional agency, I believe we will begin filling empty positions quickly. I've already had individuals express their willingness to return once we take office. Additionally, we will modernize our recruiting approach and recruit nationally with a team of recruiters.

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What is your take on the jail’s overpopulation? How do you intend to prevent the numbers from getting too extreme and to prevent in-jail violence?

Roundtree: We anticipated 10 years ago, prior to the 2-year COVID shutdown and backlog of cases, that a jail expansion was going to be needed. However, our requests were denied in the last 2 SPLOST packages. We are working hand in hand with our judicial system to move cases as efficiently as possible and we have hired four program directors in our jail to provide services to inmates such as AA and NA, a GED program as well as culinary preparations program to give the inmates a sense of purpose and to help reduce violent behavior.

Brantley: The jail's overpopulation is a serious concern that requires immediate attention. I'll work to address this issue by implementing better screening and scanning procedures to prevent contraband from entering the facility. Additionally, I'll explore alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders and invest in diversion programs for those struggling with mental health issues or substance abuse. Right now, nearly 25 percent of those in jail need mental health treatment, not incarceration. We can help them working together with medical and social service professionals. By addressing the root causes of overpopulation and implementing proactive measures, we can prevent in-jail violence and ensure the safety of both inmates and staff.

Johnson: Regarding jail overpopulation, we must ensure the facility operates as it should, with functioning doors, working cameras, and a well-maintained infrastructure. This will allow us to use tried-and-true methods to manage misbehaving inmates and separate them from others. We will also work closely with the DA's office and the courts to expedite case hearings and scheduling. Additionally, we will collaborate with probation officers to explore alternative facilities for handling probation violations.

How would you describe the sheriff’s office’s current relationship with the media and how do you intend to improve transparency?

Roundtree: Our relationship with media outlets that treat us fairly and are not biased, is an extremely healthy one. We created a 4-person public information office to disseminate information as quickly and accurately as possible. We are the only sheriff’s office in the region who has an annual media day in which I sit down and discuss any issues that may have occurred over the past year and entertain any suggestions of things we could do better.

Brantley: The sheriff's office's current relationship with the media lacks transparency and communication. I believe in openness and accountability, and I'll work to improve our relationship with the media by providing regular updates, holding press conferences, and actively engaging with reporters to address their concerns. Transparency is key to building trust with the community, and I'm committed to ensuring that the sheriff's office operates with integrity and honesty in all our interactions with the media and the public.

Johnson: I think the current sheriff does not do a great job of communicating with all media outlets. Today, there are more than just the basic four TV stations and a newspaper; there are multiple newspaper outlets and radio stations. I will be accessible to all media. Before we take office on January 1, 2025, we will hold a reception inviting all media partners to meet with us. We will exchange contact information to ensure we can effectively communicate with the public when needed.

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When is the election for Richmond County Sheriff?

May 21 will determine who takes the Democratic nomination for Richmond County Sheriff. There are no Republican candidates. A fourth candidate, Richard Dixon, is running as an Independent. If Dixon submits his petition by July 9, he will face off against the Democratic nominee on Nov. 5. Otherwise, whoever wins the nomination will automatically win the sheriff's seat.

For more information on Augusta's upcoming elections, go to augustaga.gov.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Richmond County Sheriff Democratic candidates' platforms in May 21 vote