2024 Georgia General Elections

2024 GA Primary Election

2024 GA Primary Election Runoff

Courson voted Echols new sheriff

Randy is from the Lowndes and Echols County area. He and his wife have one child. 

Randy has been with the Echols County sheriff's department since 1997 and was previously chief deputy from 2000 to 2005.

Randy Courson is currently County Sheriff in Echols County, where he has been since 2005. 

As of March 19, 2024, Randy Courson did not have a website or any information online.

Public Safety

Jail Management

Criminal Justice

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Randy Courson

Randy is from the Lowndes and Echols County area. He and his wife Mary have one child. 

As of March 19, 2024, Randy Courson did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

As of April 3, 2024, Randy Courson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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Believes in upholding social order ethically and constitutionally, providing professional law enforcement, protecting citizens, and respecting everyone's liberty, equality, and justice, while enforcing laws fairly and recognizing legal and constitutional boundaries.

The candidate's website says, "The Echols County Sheriff’s Office recognizes that no law enforcement agency can operate at its maximum potential without the support of the citizens that we serve... The Echols County Sheriff’s Office actively solicits and encourages the cooperation of all citizens to reduce and limit the opportunities for crime..."

Believes in enforcing drug laws; reports Sheriff Courson and deputies executed a search, found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, and arrested Byran Harris in Echols County on felony possession charges.

Supports interagency collaboration in law enforcement, as evidenced by Echols County deputies aiding in the chase and capture of a suspect alongside federal and state law enforcement agencies in Georgia.

The candidate's website says, "Sheriff Courson states ... deputies with Echols County Sheriff's Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop ... The vehicle eluded deputies at speeds in excess of 120 mph while blacking out his head lights..."

Believes in enforcing drug laws; reports Sheriff Courson and deputies executed a search, found meth and paraphernalia, and arrested Byran Harris in Echols County on felony possession charges.

The candidate's website says, "The Echols County Sheriff’s Office is required by law to investigate and report acts of family violence... Your safety and that of your children’s is our number one concern. Call 911 for assistance."

The candidate's website says, "It is the goal at The Haven to provide victims of family violence with the necessary information, resources, support, a protected head start and supportive follow-up to complete the transition out of a violent lifestyle and into successful, independent living."

The candidate's website says, "REMEMBER…IF YOU FIND A GUN, DON’T PICK IT UP! JUST LEAVE IT ALONE, AND TELL AN ADULT RIGHT AWAY!"

The candidate's website says, "Young people are naturally curious about firearms and, as a result, may be tempted to “play” with a firearm they find. Make sure young people in your home are aware of and understand the safety guidelines described below."

The candidate's website says, "The Echols County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to participate in Project ChildSafe... to help ensure safe and responsible firearms ownership and storage..."

The candidate's website says, "Keep all firearms locked and unloaded in a safe place, away from children and other unauthorized persons."

The candidate's website says, "Don’t go looking for guns in your house or a friend’s house. Don’t let other kids look for guns in your home."

The candidate's website says, "Follow safe gun handling practices: keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction; keep fingers off the trigger, and keep the firearm unloaded when not in use."

The candidate's website says, "If you find a gun in your house – or anywhere else –STOP! Leave it alone. Don’t touch it. Don’t let anyone else touch it. Leave the area and be sure to tell an adult at once."

The candidate's website says, "Even if a gun looks like a toy, don’t touch it. Some real guns may look like toy guns, so don’t take a chance. Leave the area and immediately tell an adult."

The candidate's website says, "About C.H.A.M.P.S.: Today’s students face dangers other generations could not have imagined. Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (C.H.A.M.P.S.) was founded in 2003 by the Georgia Sheriff’s Association to address these urgent challenges."

Said, "We provide full-service law enforcement to the visitors and citizens of Echols County... On behalf of the brave and dedicated men and women of your Sheriff’s Office, it is an honor and a privilege to serve you."

The candidate's website says, "Sheriff Courson reports that on January 8th, 2024 deputies with the Echols County Sheriff's Office responded to an armed robbery in the area of Highway 135 and Highway 94... During the course of the investigation, investigators with the Echols County Sheriff's Office in cooperation with investigators from Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Suwannee County Sheriff's Office, Live Oak Police Department, ... See More"

The candidate's website says, "Sheriff Courson reports that on January 8th, 2024 deputies with the Echols County Sheriff's Office responded to an armed robbery... During the course of the investigation, investigators with the Echols County Sheriff's Office in cooperation with investigators from Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Suwannee County Sheriff's Office, Live Oak Police Department..."

The candidate's website says, "Often, a seemingly unimportant or minor piece of information can solve a crime, or save a life, by providing the “missing link”."

The candidate's website says, "Domestic violence is a crime!"

The candidate's website says, "The purpose of the Haven is to provide emergency shelter and services for victims of family violence and sexual assault."

The candidate's website says, "Teach your children to call 911in case of an emergency."

The candidate's website says, "In 50% of battered women cases, the children are battered as well."

The candidate's website says, "Children from abusive homes are 1,000 times more likely to abuse their spouse or their own children"

The candidate's website says, "Two-thirds of attacks on women are committed by someone she knows, often a husband or boyfriend."

Said, "of employment, I give my voluntary consent to be medically examined and to provide a sample of my blood or urine which may be tested for recent use of drugs and/or controlled"

The candidate's website says, "To help you in your effort you can pick up a FREE Firearm Cable Lock at the Echols County Sheriff’s Office."

The candidate's website says, "Safety Reminder Sign-up: Get more information and receive free firearm safety reminders from Project ChildSafe via e-mail."

The candidate's website says, "Instructors: C.H.A.M.P.S. lesson plans are taught by certified deputy sheriffs who have successfully completed C.H.A.M.P.S. instructor training."

The candidate's website says, "Mission Statement: To provide an educational program for Georgia’s youth, which provides guidance, and the skills, ability and knowledge to be safe, healthy, and happy, in preparation for a successful life."

The candidate's website says, "NOTE: A conviction does not automatically mean you cannot be employed by the County. The nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, relationship to this job, etc. are given consideration"

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.

The chief law enforcement officer in the county

Echols County Sheriff, Republican Primary

Election results

Candidates (1)