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Charlene is currently pursuing a master's in clinical mental health counseling at Grand Canyon University. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Georgia. She resides in Jonesboro.

Charlene currently works as an officer in the Clayton County Police Department. She previously worked with the Baltimore City Police Department, the Dekalb County Police Department, and the Griffin Police Department.

Charlene Watson-Fraser's campaign for County Sheriff is her first run for public office.

Candidate website

Clayton County sheriff candidates meet at community forum with current sheriff a no-show

The candidate's website says, "6. Alarm Systems: Install alarm systems that can detect unauthorized entry, break-ins, or any other security breaches. These alarms should be connected to an operable central monitoring station for immediate response."

Plans to implement alarm systems that can detect and ensure an immediate response to any unauthorized entry, break-ins, or other security breaches.

Said, "In addition to my law enforcement background... I understand the importance of addressing the underlying issues that contribute to crime and social unrest. By focusing on community outreach programs and fostering positive relationships, we can create a safer and more harmonious environment for everyone."

Supports community outreach programs as a way to address the underlying causes of crime and social unrest.

Plans to implement a citizen review board to increase accountability and communication between residents and the Sheriff's Department.

- Plans to implement alarm systems that can detect and ensure an immediate response to any unauthorized entry, break-ins, or other security breaches.
- Supports community outreach programs as a way to address the underlying causes of crime and social unrest.
- Plans to implement a citizen review board to increase accountability and communication between residents and the Sheriff's Department.

Public Safety

The candidate's website says, "7. Secure Transportation: Implement strict protocols for transporting inmates, including secure vehicles, restraints, and trained personnel to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff during transit."

Plans to implement strict protocols for transporting inmates, including secure vehicles, restraints, and trained personnel to ensure the safety of all involved.

The candidate's website says, "3. Access Control Systems: Implement a robust access control system that includes electronic locks, key cards, or biometric scanners to restrict entry to authorized personnel only."

Supports installing access control systems, such as electronic locks, key cards, and biometric scanners to restrict entry to authorized personnel only.

The candidate's website says, "2. Surveillance Cameras: Install surveillance cameras at strategic points inside and outside the jail to monitor activities and detect any suspicious behavior."

Plans to install surveillance cameras designed to monitor activities and detect suspicious behavior.

The candidate's website says, "1. Perimeter Fencing that fulfills three objectives: preventing inmates from escaping, controlling inmate movements within the facility, and preventing unauthorized access to or communication with prisoners and the passage of contraband into the prison."

Plans to install perimeter fencing around the jail.

The candidate's website says, "4. Guard Towers: Construct guard towers at strategic locations around the perimeter of the jail to provide a high vantage point for security personnel to observe and respond to any security threats."

Plans to construct guard towers at strategic locations around the perimeter of the jail.

The candidate's website says, "5. Secure Entry Points: Use reinforced doors and windows that are resistant to forced entry. Install up to date metal detectors and X-ray machines to screen visitors and prevent the smuggling of contraband items."

Supports installing reinforced doors and windows and updating metal detectors and X-ray machines.

The candidate's website says, "9. Emergency Response Plan: Develop a comprehensive emergency response plan that includes protocols for handling riots, escapes, medical emergencies, and other potential security incidents."

Plans to develop a "comprehensive emergency response plan" that includes protocols for handling riots, escapes, medical emergencies, and other potential security breaches.

The candidate's website says, "10. Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of the facility, including checks for structural integrity, security equipment functionality, and staff adherence to security protocols."

Promises to regularly inspect the facility's structural integrity, equipment functionality, and staff adherence to security protocols.

The candidate's website says, "8. Security Personnel: Hire and train well-qualified personnel who are responsible for maintaining order and security within the jail facility. They should be equipped with the necessary equipment along with bodycams."

Supports hiring and training qualified personnel and equipping them with body cameras.

- Plans to implement strict protocols for transporting inmates, including secure vehicles, restraints, and trained personnel to ensure the safety of all involved.
- Supports installing access control systems, such as electronic locks, key cards, and biometric scanners to restrict entry to authorized personnel only.
- Plans to install surveillance cameras designed to monitor activities and detect suspicious behavior.
- Plans to install perimeter fencing around the jail.
- Plans to construct guard towers at strategic locations around the perimeter of the jail.
- Supports installing reinforced doors and windows and updating metal detectors and X-ray machines.
- Plans to develop a "comprehensive emergency response plan" that includes protocols for handling riots, escapes, medical emergencies, and other potential security breaches.
- Promises to regularly inspect the facility's structural integrity, equipment functionality, and staff adherence to security protocols.
- Supports hiring and training qualified personnel and equipping them with body cameras.

Jail Management

Said, "I firmly believe that providing support and resources for individuals struggling with mental health issues is crucial for preventing crime..."

- Said, "I firmly believe that providing support and resources for individuals struggling with mental health issues is crucial for preventing crime..."

Criminal Justice

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Charlene Watson-Fraser

Clarence is from Atlanta and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. He attended Morehouse College and Ashford University. He was involved with several community organizations including being president of Georgia Motorcoach Operators Association (GMOA), volunteering with Caring 4 Others, serving as chairman with the African American Motorcoach Council, and held other positions with community organizations. 

Clarence is the chief investigator for the Fulton County Solicitor General’s Office Clarence. He was appointed to this position in 2021. He previously served as the CEO of Georgia Coach Lines, Inc., a transportation business and as the National President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the largest black law enforcement organization in the world. He also worked in law enforcement for the Clayton County' Sheriff's Office, and as an agent for a Multi-Agency Drug Enforcement Task Force and as an original member of the Georgia Homeland Security Task Force,

Clarence Edward Cox's campaign for County Sheriff in Clayton County is his first entry into politics. 

Said he "values accountability to taxpayers while prioritizing the allocation of resources essential for upholding public safety objectives."

Appointed as co-chair of the “Reimagining Public Safety Task Force", which aims to provide a "blueprint for law enforcement agencies and communities on best practices."

- Said he "values accountability to taxpayers while prioritizing the allocation of resources essential for upholding public safety objectives."
- Appointed as co-chair of the “Reimagining Public Safety Task Force", which aims to provide a "blueprint for law enforcement agencies and communities on best practices."

As of June 3, 2025, Clarence Edward Cox’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Clarence Edward Cox

Jeffrey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from West Georgia College in 1986 and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University. He is married to his wife, Darlene, with whom they have four sons and two grandsons. The Turner family attends Greater Works Missionary Baptist Church. He was appointed to several committees, including the Governor’s Funding Committee on Juvenile Justice, the Executive Board of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), and the Metro Urban Chairs Committee.

Jeffrey previously served as a patrolman with the Clayton County Police Department, and later was appointed as the first African American Chief of Police. 

Jeffrey E. Turner is the Chairman of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners. He was elected to this position in 2012 and has served three terms. 

Believes county safety is enhanced by the sheriff's department focusing on core duties and collaborating with local police for support and as necessary.

Believes county safety is enhanced by the sheriff's department focusing on core duties such as courthouse security, serving civil and criminal warrants, and the maintenance and operation of the county jail.

The candidate's website says, "The men and women of the sheriff’s office deserve to be equipped with the best equipment available for their safety and the safety of the citizens."

Wants to provide the sheriff's office with "the best equipment available for their safety and the safety of the citizens" by requesting a "reasonable budget..." from the government. 

The candidate's website says, "· Be fiscally responsible by utilizing taxpayer's money in a responsible, transparent and reasonable manner to provide the best protection and services to the citizens of Clayton County."

Advocates for fiscal responsibility by "utilizing taxpayer's money in a responsible, transparent and reasonable manner..."

Said, "Reunite all of the law enforcement entities within the county by creating an environment where everyone works together... to overcome the public safety challenges that face our county and its citizens."

Wants to promote collaboration amongst all law enforcement entities within Clayton County.

The candidate's website says, "Increase communications with citizens and other law enforcement entities through social media platforms, print and news outlets."

Plans to "increase communications with citizens and other law enforcement entities through social media platforms, print and news outlets."

The candidate's website says, "Improve the departments image and relationship with media outlets to increase transparency and trust in the community."

Supports improving "the department's image and relationship with media outlets to increase transparency and trust in the community."

- Believes county safety is enhanced by the sheriff's department focusing on core duties such as courthouse security, serving civil and criminal warrants, and the maintenance and operation of the county jail.
- Wants to provide the sheriff's office with "the best equipment available for their safety and the safety of the citizens" by requesting a "reasonable budget..." from the government. 
- Advocates for fiscal responsibility by "utilizing taxpayer's money in a responsible, transparent and reasonable manner..."
- Wants to promote collaboration amongst all law enforcement entities within Clayton County.
- Plans to "increase communications with citizens and other law enforcement entities through social media platforms, print and news outlets."
- Supports improving "the department's image and relationship with media outlets to increase transparency and trust in the community."

The candidate's website says, "Address Mental Health issues in the jail by utilizing mental health professionals... Make Crisis Intervention Training mandatory for all employees to increase their awareness of someone who may be mentally ill."

Supports addressing inmate mental health issues by helping place inmates suspected of mental illness and "should not be in a jail environment..." elsewhere, and establishing mandatory crisis intervention training aimed to increase mental health awareness. 

Wants to establish procedures for greater safety for employees and detainees.

- Supports addressing inmate mental health issues by helping place inmates suspected of mental illness and "should not be in a jail environment..." elsewhere, and establishing mandatory crisis intervention training aimed to increase mental health awareness. 
- Wants to establish procedures for greater safety for employees and detainees.

As of June 3, 2025, Jeffrey E. Turner’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Twitter

Jeffrey E. Turner

Levon is from Southwest Atlanta and attended Riverdale High School.  

Levon worked several positions in the Clayton County Sheriff's Office as a Correctional Office, Deputy Sheriff, Investigator, amongst others prior to being elected as County Sheriff. He also worked in the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer and is a United States Army veteran, previously serving in the Georgia Army National Guard and the Army Reserves. 

Levon Allen is the Clayton County Sheriff. He was sworn as interim sheriff in 2022, and was elected to this position in 2023, and is currently serving his first term. 

The candidate's website says, "Sheriff Allen is determined to not let Clayton County become a safe haven for criminals... Criminals who dare to continue to commit crimes in Clayton County... will have the full force of the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office to deal with."

 Said he is  "determined to not let Clayton County become a safe haven for criminals... Criminals who dare to continue to commit crimes...will have the full force of the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office..."

The candidate's website says, "Sheriff Allen is dedicated to implementing proactive strategies, and fostering strong relationships with residents to ensure every voice is heard and every concern is addressed."

Wants to install tactics and develop strong relationships with residents, aiming to ensure citizen concerns are addressed. 

-  Said he is  "determined to not let Clayton County become a safe haven for criminals... Criminals who dare to continue to commit crimes...will have the full force of the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office..."
- Wants to install tactics and develop strong relationships with residents, aiming to ensure citizen concerns are addressed. 

As of June 3, 2025, Levon Allen’s website did not contain information on this issue.

The candidate's website says, "Sheriff Allen also commanded Sheriff Victor Hill’s Clean Initiative Program... Sheriff Allen took the lead on removing major graffiti from the Interstate overpass at Jonesboro Rd and plans to create a new cleaning crew..."

As County Sheriff, he directed the “Sheriff Victor Hill’s Clean Initiative Program,” which brought inmates the local community to paint over any graffiti and pick up trash. 

Said "when he was the commander of the elite fugitive squad...he led the unit to clearing the top ten most wanted list multiple times and capturing over 100 violent suspects."

- As County Sheriff, he directed the “Sheriff Victor Hill’s Clean Initiative Program,” which brought inmates the local community to paint over any graffiti and pick up trash. 
- Said "when he was the commander of the elite fugitive squad...he led the unit to clearing the top ten most wanted list multiple times and capturing over 100 violent suspects."

Levon Allen

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.

Clayton County Sheriff, Democratic Primary

Election results

Runoff election

Last updated a year ago. Election results are still unofficial.

Candidates (4)

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Public Safety

Jail Management

Criminal Justice