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Craig has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Saint Leo University and a master's degree in public administration from Columbus State University.  

Craig has worked in law enforcement for 30 years. He worked in several Cobb County police departments and positions such as uniform patrol, criminal investigations, special operations, adjutant to the chief of police, SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics), ranger services, and director of animal services. He also enlisted in the Army for four years following high school and spent time in the Army Reserve as a Command Sergeant Major.

Craig D. Owens Sr. is the County Sheriff in Cobb County since 2020 and currently serving his first term. He is the first African American sheriff of Cobb County.

Craig D. Owens Sr. (Cobb County Sheriff, Georgia, candidate 2024)

AJC/ACC Voter Guide - Local & Legislative Questionnaire

Said, "When people are housing insecure, we all pay the price."

Values transparency of the Sheriff's Office and has taken steps such as regular public briefings and external reviews of the office.

- Said, "When people are housing insecure, we all pay the price."
- Values transparency of the Sheriff's Office and has taken steps such as regular public briefings and external reviews of the office.

Public Safety

As of June 24, 2025, Craig D. Owens Sr’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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Craig D. Owens Sr

David graduated from Lovejoy High School and attended Kennesaw State University. He is married and has a daughter. He resides in Kennesaw. 

David currently serves on the SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team for the Cobb County Police Department. He has over 15 years of law enforcement experience and has served with the Army Reserves for 17 years.

This is David Cavender's first entry into politics.

Marietta Daily Journal, AROUND TOWN: Cobb Sheriff's Race Heats Up

Plans to reallocate resources in order to reduce overtime costs by disbanding the mounted unit (horses) and the sheriff's personal executive protection staff.

Believes there needs to be more transparency at the District Attorney's office.

- Plans to reallocate resources in order to reduce overtime costs by disbanding the mounted unit (horses) and the sheriff's personal executive protection staff.
- Believes there needs to be more transparency at the District Attorney's office.

Advocates for removing people with severe mental health issues from jail and getting them appropriate help in order to reduce jail deaths and medical emergencies.

Wants to address staffing shortage issues to improve safety for deputies and inmates.

- Advocates for removing people with severe mental health issues from jail and getting them appropriate help in order to reduce jail deaths and medical emergencies.
- Wants to address staffing shortage issues to improve safety for deputies and inmates.

Plans to collaborate with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain and report undocumented immigrants.

Proposes enforcing penalties such as lifetime voting bans, fines, and "political bans" for voter fraud violations.

- Plans to collaborate with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain and report undocumented immigrants.
- Proposes enforcing penalties such as lifetime voting bans, fines, and "political bans" for voter fraud violations.

David Cavender

The County Sheriff is an elected official who acts as the chief law enforcement officer in their county. They are tasked with operating the county jails, keeping courtrooms secure during trials, and keeping the public safe through proper law enforcement. Each Sheriff's Office in Georgia may look a little different in how they hire and run their teams, but all County Sheriffs have the same duties. These duties include the following:

- Operating the county jail
- Providing court security
- Serving civil papers
- Executing arrest warrants
- Providing primary law enforcement within unincorporated areas of the county
- Working with city law enforcement officers to keep municipalities safe

The County Sheriff and their office are unique to other law enforcement agencies in that it has to answer to the people it serves. Historically, a turnover in the Sheriff’s office will likely result in noticeable change within the office, so voting for this office is a very effective way to vote approval or disapproval for how county law enforcement is conducted.

Cobb County Sheriff

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