"My entire adult life has been dedicated to the safety and well-being of our citizens. While I love protecting Houston County in the courtroom, my heart is with our law enforcement on the front lines in the community. As District Attorney, I have a record of being proactive and tough on crime. If elected Sheriff, I will use that same approach and leadership style to ensure this county remains a great place to live, work, and raise our families."
A Lifetime Dedicated to Service:
MEET WILL
Will has spent his entire adult life in service at the local, state, and federal levels. He started his career as an eight-year Marine Combat Veteran, which included serving as a military working dog handler and a criminal investigator, before becoming the District Attorney of Houston County. He has dedicated his life to serving with integrity and utilizing and honing his leadership skills for the betterment of his community and country.
As District Attorney, Will has fought hard against crime in the Houston County community. From criminal street gangs to drug cartels and traffickers of fentanyl, he has always stepped up to meet the needs of the neighborhoods to keep them safe. Even as District Attorney, Will has regarded his office as a place of public service, never turning anyone away and always keeping an open door. He vows to continue to do the same thing as sheriff and ensure Houston County is, and remains, a safe place for families and businesses.
Qualifications:
- Currently serves as District Attorney
- Georgia POST Certified Peace Officer
- Juris Doctorate Degree Southern Illinois University School of Law
- A.S. in Criminal Justice
- B.S. in Homeland Security & Public Safety
- 5.5 years of experience as a Criminal Investigator (CID Agent)
- 2.5 years as a Military Working Dog Handler (Explosives/Narcotics Detection & Patrol)
- 8 years of Marine Corps Leadership & Instructor Training
Images do not imply endorsement by the Department of Defense or any Service Branch.
"Houston County has been beyond fortunate to have the strong leadership of Sheriff Talton. If elected, I will uphold his standard of excellence and build upon his success to meet the ever-changing needs of our community. Nothing will supersede my desire to serve with integrity and keep you and your family safe."
THE EXPERIENCE TO
KEEP HOUSTON COUNTY SAFE
PRIORITIES
EFFECTIVELY
TOUGH ON CRIME
PROACTIVE SOLUTIONS
PROTECT OUR
CHILDREN
Anyone can say they are tough on crime, but Houston County needs a Sheriff who can effectively address and deter crime. During his time as DA, Will and his staff closed more than 4,200 cases in the first year, a record of more than 1,800 over previous years. In addition, Will spearheads one of Georgia's largest Joint Law Enforcement Gang Task Forces, which has made a never-before-seen attack on serious violent crime and criminal street gang activity.
When it comes to addressing crime, Will believes in being proactive. That's why he assembled the first proactive DA Joint Law Enforcement Counter Narcotics Task Force in Houston County to make a concerted effort to take on the crisis of Fentanyl. With Sheriff Talton's assistance, Will got six additional officers sworn in as special deputy sheriffs to assist in addressing the Fentanyl crisis. They have been successful in reducing overdose rates and made 76 arrests in the first 60 days.
As Houston County's Sheriff's Department became responsible for appointing School Resource Officers (SRO) last year, Will is committed to ensuring our SROs are properly equipped to keep Houston County public schools safe. Whether it be new technology or new training, he believes we must invest in those who serve as our kids' first line of defense. As a father of two, Will knows nothing is more important than protecting our children.
TRAINING AND STAFFING
ACCOUNTABLE AND TRANSPARENT LEADERSHIP
COMMUNICATION AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
As a Marine, business owner, and District Attorney, Will knows the importance of hiring and retaining good staff. When he took over as DA, around 10 employees (four of whom were prosecutors) were in an office slated for 31. Since then, Will has hired and retained an entire staff and added new positions. Will’s judicial circuit has been hailed as the only fully staffed district attorney's office in Georgia. Beyond working to ensure our Sheriff's office is fully staffed, Will will also make sure our deputies receive the training necessary to do their jobs with excellence.
As DA, Will has always kept the public informed, maintained professional relationships with the media, and promptly responded to all Georgia Open Records requests. He will continue to do the same as Sheriff.
Will also understands that every dollar spent in the Sheriff's office belongs to the taxpayer. As DA, he has always come in under budget at the end of the fiscal year by working to negotiate contracts and reduce costs. He will bring that same diligence to the Sheriff's office.
Will believes there is a positive correlation between the safety of our community and the strength of the relationship between the Sheriff's office and the public.
Prioritizing time spent with community leaders, community service providers, and all levels of law enforcement has allowed Will to explore the issues we face and implement effective solutions. This commitment to the community will only increase when elected as Sheriff.
"When I became a Marine, I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. As Sheriff, a Constitutional officer, I will continue to uphold that oath."
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