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Georgia bill would give voters option to dissolve county police departments

If passed, 13 Georgia counties could put the option to voters whether to dissolve county police.

BRUNSWICK, Ga. — A bill working its way through the Georgia General Assembly could guide the future of several law enforcement agencies.

SB 317 would give voters the option to dissolve a county police force. If passed, 13 Georgia counties could put the question on the ballot: Athens-Clarke, Chattam, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Dougherty, Floyd, Fulton, Glynn, Gwinnett, Henry, Polk and Ware counties.

In these cases, county police and sheriff's offices play different roles. Senator William Ligon represents District 3 including Glynn County and sponsored the bill. He says by dissolving a county police department, the authority would then shift back to the sheriff's office.

He explained he took up the cause after a grand jury recommended finding an alternative for the county's department. It relates to an investigation into allegations of impropriety between Glynn County Police and informants.

“Glynn County is working to make improvements to the police department but ultimately it should be up to the voters who have a voice in this,” Ligon said.

Glynn County Police Chief John Powell was not available for comment.

The On Your Side team also reached out to Georgia’s Fraternal Order of Police and it said it was tracking the bill and in touch with its legislative team.

In Brunswick, voter Susan Bates says she’s in favor of consolidating the local departments.

“If it makes economic sense and doesn’t impact jobs,” Bates said.

Others in downtown said off-camera that they were against changing how things work now.

Ligon said with time remaining in the legislative session, he’s optimistic SB 317 will pass.

“We’re working into it and we’ll see what happens,” Ligon said.

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