WOODBINE, Ga. — Camden County Sheriff Jim Proctor is running for his fourth term as sheriff. He is running as an independent since he does not believe the sheriff's race should be partisan. Because of this, he will not appear on the ballot in Georgia's May Primary Election.
First Coast News still wanted to sit down with Proctor and discuss the claims made against him by Republican candidates Trevor Readdick and Kevin Chaney.
Proctor joined the Camden County Sheriff's Office in 1988. He worked his way up the ranks starting in the jail.
“I'm not finished, there's still a lot left to be done. We've come a long way, but there's still a good ways to go," Proctor said.
The Camden County Sheriff's Office has been the center of controversy over the last few years. Last year, Leonard Cure was shot and killed by a deputy during a traffic stop. There have also been several incidents of violence between employees in the jail and inmates.
In response to these incidents, Sheriff Proctor said they increased their training hours and let go of a training officer who they believe was teaching aggressive tactics.
“We've seen a difference in the attitude, the knowledge that the officers have. They look at things differently," Proctor explained.
Proctor's opponents have been critical of his leadership. Both Readdick and Chaney believe he lacks transparency and accountability, which leads to poor morale.
First Coast News asked Proctor whether he thinks there is a culture problem.
“I don't know if there was a culture problem. They just needed to be exposed to different ways of looking at things," Proctor said.
Proctor believes another part of the problem is the staffing shortage within the sheriff's office. He said this puts a strain on his deputies and employees in the jail. He has also been fighting to address the conditions in the jail.
“It’s deplorable. Who would want to work here and what inmate should be subjected to that, they're still people. Even though they're inmates, they're still people, you shouldn't subject them to this type of living condition," Proctor said.
Proctor added overall crime is down in Camden County. He said that is proof his deputies are doing their jobs well and keeping people safe.
"We're very short staffed and for them to be able to continue to do the job that they do, I'm very appreciative of it. I'm proud of them. They do a good job," Proctor said.
Georgia's Primary Election is May 21, 2024. For voter information, click here.