About Sheriff Rick Kelley

Rick Kelley

Rick obtained a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from North Georgia College & State University. He is a current member of Georgia Sheriff’s Association, the White County Rotary Club, and Alpine Shrine Club. He also serves on the board of the South Enotah Child Advocacy Center, White County Family Connections, and the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Board.

Rick was previously a jailer and later captained the criminal investigations division at White County Sheriff’s Office.

Rick Kelley is currently the county sheriff. He was elected in 2020 and has served one term. 

Helped establish the K-9 program to have a K-9 available at all times.

Secured funding for additional school resource officers for every school in the county.

Supported the establishment of the Citizens Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA).

Wants to improve the drug education programming in schools.

Plans to get the White County Sheriff’s Office accredited through the Georgia Sheriff’s Association.

- Helped establish the K-9 program to have a K-9 available at all times.
- Secured funding for additional school resource officers for every school in the county.
- Supported the establishment of the Citizens Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA).
- Wants to improve the drug education programming in schools.
- Plans to get the White County Sheriff’s Office accredited through the Georgia Sheriff’s Association.

Public Safety

Supported educational tablets in  jail for inmates to have additional resources for various recovery programs.

Plans to expand the inmate labor program.

- Supported educational tablets in  jail for inmates to have additional resources for various recovery programs.
- Plans to expand the inmate labor program.

Jail Management

As of July 25, 2024, Rick Kelley did not have a website or any information online.

Criminal Justice

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.