KINGSLAND, Ga. — In one week, voters in Georgia will head to the polls for the May Primary Election. In Camden County, voters will choose a candidate to go up against incumbent Sheriff Jim Proctor in November.
First Coast News sat down with all three candidates for sheriff.
James Kevin Chaney is a Republican on the ballot going up against Trevor Readdick. With almost three decades of public service, Chaney has devoted his life to law enforcement.
“This is my calling. My entire adult life has been dedicated to public service," Chaney said.
Chaney first joined the Camden County Sheriff's Office in 1995. He spent some of that time with DEA in Brunswick before becoming a major in Camden County. He left the sheriff's office last year after realizing it was time for new leadership.
“Sheriff Proctor is a good sheriff. He really is. He's a good person. But he's going in a different direction," Chaney said.
Chaney said he was not happy with the way recent controversial incidents were handled, including a deadly traffic stop last year and violence between jail employees and inmates.
"Over the years, lack of some of the training some issues and stuff. And it's not only the trainer’s efforts, it's just lack of leadership effort," Chaney said.
Chaney believes part of the problem stems from the lack of transparency and accountability at the top. He wants to change the culture within the agency by giving employees opportunities to grow and invest in their careers.
"If you want move off to the federal government, state government, absolutely use this as a stepping stone to get into here. And let's give you that stuff that you need as street smarts to go on up to the state and federal level but use it as a career path for them," Chaney explained.
If elected, Chaney plans to work with the county commission to build a new jail and bring in a risk management team to assess where improvements can be made. He also wants to focus on employee mental health to help deputies feel more supported.
"I have walked in the shoes of the men and women in law enforcement. When I take office, if there's a critical incident or something happens, I know what they've gone through.”
The primary election is May 21, 2024. For voter information, click here.