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Colby is from Louisville, Georgia and attended Jefferson County High School. He is married. He has certifications in gang recognition and abatement, rapid active shooter response, use of less lethal force, and bomb threats. 

Four announce plans to run for Sheriff of Jefferson County

Colby has worked as an international police advisor for the Department of State Civilian Police in Iraq and Afghanistan, in SWAT for the Richmond County Sheriffs Office, as a deputy for Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, and as a police officer in Louisville. 

Ballotpedia - Colby Harrell

Colby Harrell's campaign for Jefferson County Sheriff is his first entry into politics. 

Supports implementing a Gang Resistance Education Program for at-risk youth.

- Supports increased police training.
- Supports implementing a Gang Resistance Education Program for at-risk youth.

Public Safety

As of June 17, 2025, Colby Harrell did not have a website or any information online.

Jail Management

Criminal Justice

Colby Harrell

Gary Hutchins

Gary is married to his wife, and together they have two daughters. He is a graduate of the Jefferson County School System.

Gary currently serves on the Board of Director’s for the Georgia Sheriff’s Association as well as its chaplain. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Columbia County Advisory Board, the Board of POST Council in Atlanta, and the Board of Directors for the Swainsboro Technical College and Oconee Fall Line Technical College.

Charles "Gary" Hutchins has served as the Sheriff of Jefferson County since 1993.

Worked to implement "a chapel service, GED classes, drug education with individual and group classes, drug court that offers counseling for addicts and a pre-trial diversion program for first offenders."

Said, "We utilize funds seized during drug seizures to purchase needed equipment for our department."

- Worked to implement "a chapel service, GED classes, drug education with individual and group classes, drug court that offers counseling for addicts and a pre-trial diversion program for first offenders."
- Said, "We utilize funds seized during drug seizures to purchase needed equipment for our department."

Worked to ease taxpayer burden by "generating millions of dollars housing and transporting federal prisoners."

- Worked to ease taxpayer burden by "generating millions of dollars housing and transporting federal prisoners."

As of June 17, 2025, Charles "Gary" Hutchins did not have a website or any information online.

Charles "Gary" Hutchins

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.