Ben Turner grew up in LaGrange, Georgia, and graduated from LaGrange High School. He attended Auburn University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Sociology. Ben has served as the Lead Pastor at Teaver Road Baptist Church and is married with three children. 

Ben Turner began his career with the Georgia Department of Public Safety as a member of the 89th Georgia State Patrol Basic Trooper School and was assigned to Post 24 Newnan as a Trooper. He later served as the in-house Chaplain for the LaGrange Police Department. 

Ballot Pedia

Ben Turner's campaign for County Sheriff in Troup County is his first entry into politics.

Candidate website

Facebook

Said, "I want to better serve the citizens of Troup County by increasing the number of Deputies in our community and on our county roads."

Wants to increase the number of Deputies in the community and on county roads.

Said, "The surge in drug abuse is a concern close to all our hearts. As your Sheriff, my promise is unwavering—to fight relentlessly against drugs and crime, ensuring that our streets and schools remain safe havens for all residents."

Said, "As your Sheriff, I am committed to fostering a strong, resilient community where every member feels safe and supported... By enhancing mental health resources and training our deputies in crisis intervention, we’ll ensure that every individual receives the care and respect they deserve."

Plans to enhance mental health resources and train deputies in crisis intervention.

Wants to build trust between law enforcement and the community.

Plans to implement active-shooter training.

- Wants to increase the number of Deputies in the community and on county roads.
- Said, "The surge in drug abuse is a concern close to all our hearts. As your Sheriff, my promise is unwavering—to fight relentlessly against drugs and crime, ensuring that our streets and schools remain safe havens for all residents."
- Plans to enhance mental health resources and train deputies in crisis intervention.
- Wants to build trust between law enforcement and the community.
- Plans to implement active-shooter training.

Public Safety

Said, "With my background as a Pastor, I understand the sanctity of every dollar spent. As your Sheriff, I pledge to manage our budget with utmost integrity, ensuring that each penny is used effectively to provide top-notch services for our community."

- Said, "With my background as a Pastor, I understand the sanctity of every dollar spent. As your Sheriff, I pledge to manage our budget with utmost integrity, ensuring that each penny is used effectively to provide top-notch services for our community."

Jail Management

Said, "Every citizen deserves equal treatment under the law—a principle rooted in my deep faith. I vow to uphold this belief by enforcing laws fairly for everyone while taking decisive action against those who threaten our peace and safety."

Initiated a mental health program for officers at the LaGrange Police Department.

- Said, "Every citizen deserves equal treatment under the law—a principle rooted in my deep faith. I vow to uphold this belief by enforcing laws fairly for everyone while taking decisive action against those who threaten our peace and safety."
- Initiated a mental health program for officers at the LaGrange Police Department.

Criminal Justice

Ben Turner

James is married, and has two children. He is a member of LaGrange Lions Club, the Sheriff's Association, the Boys and Girls Club of West Georgia and a board member of the Sheriff's Youth Homes Pineland Campus, as well as a volunteer at Hospice LaGrange. 

James has served in the ranks of Jailer, Patrol Deputy, Field Training Officer, Major of Jail Operations, and Chief Deputy, and is a state certified law enforcement instructor. 

James T. Woodruff is currently the sheriff for Troup County.

As of March 19, 2024, James T. Woodruff’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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James T. Woodruff

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.

Troup County Sheriff, Republican Primary

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Public Safety

Jail Management

Criminal Justice