Dodge County Sheriff Campaigns for Good Future | Business

Jeff Hinson paused but just a second on the other end of the phone when asked why he decided to run for the office of Dodge County Sheriff, and then he talked about his family. he had just retired from a successful 'run' with the Georgia State Patrol, and was looking toward retirement, and then he became a grandpa. "There were some questionable things going on, and I thought about it, and decided to throw my hat in the ring to run for sheriff."

That first run began four years ago, and Hinson said, "I believe in four years we made a difference ... the new jail was built and money came from SPLOST to do it. We have done it all the right way, and had all the correct studies done, and now we are waiting on the County Commissioners to give us the go ahead to open it up."

He said that the county commissioners have asked again for an inventory price list. "Each time we have been asked to do so, we have done it."

Hinson said, "In the last few years, I believe our department has done well ... we have started a couple of things, and if the good citizens of Dodge County give me another opportunity to serve, I hope to finish those."

He continued, "I want us to continue to move forward in providing quality services, protective services to all of our community ... we will not become stagnant in what we are called to do."
In the last four years, Hinson, as Dodge County Sheriff, implemented a fuel fleet management system which resulted in over $40,000 savings in its first year. Under his direction, the DCSO applied for, and received several grants, and he also helped get a contracted vendor so that the cost of feeding inmates was reduced from $2.35 per plate to $1.15 per plate – without reducing quality.  The vendor meets standards set by the Georgia Sheriff’s Association. (Editor's Note, this information was directly quoted from research into Hinson's department, as well as from his campaign website.)

Hinson also helped get the sheriff's office a contract with a medical services group, inmate medical expenses were reduced from $196,454 in 2008 to $91,743 in 2009.  In 2010 medical expenses were 91,956.00 and in 2011 the inmate medical budget was $117,000. The contracted medical services group provides a fulltime/on-call nurse and weekly visits by a doctor. Hospital expenses have been greatly reduced.

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office has been very proactive as of late with shutting down illegal drug use in the community. "I am not a reactive sheriff, I am proactive."  He also believes in being an accessible and open sheriff's office.

Hinson added, "No matter which way the election goes on Nov. 6, I will continue to make sure our department does what we are supposed to do until the very last minute on December 31."

He said, "I have done my job, and would like to continue to do so.We treat all citizens the same, and try to run a fair and impartial law enforcment office."

Hinson concluded, "I hope that the voters will come out to the polls and vote for me on Nov. 6."

To find out more about Jeff Hinson, go to http://www.jeffhinsonforsheriff.com.