| (1) What is the difference between the Sheriff's Office and the Police Department? |
| The Sheriff's Office is an agency created under the Constitution of Georgia while a police department is created by the local governing authority, such as a county board of commissioners or city council. The office of the Sheriff traces its roots into deep into antiquity. The Sheriff is elected by the people of the county while the chief/director of a police department is appointed by the governing authority. The people of the county may change the Sheriff through the electorial process but only the governing authority can change the head of a police department. A police department is invested with power over the policital subdivision, such as a city or county. A sheriff has police powers throughout the policital subdivision and the state as well. The police department exercises certain police powers while the Sheriff exercises these powers plus others. Specifically, there are state laws that must be enforced by the Sheriff. Many of these powers and duties were established under common law rule throughout the ages. |
| (2) How is the Sheriff of Cobb County chosen? |
| The Sheriff is elected by the citizens of Cobb County every four years. The qualifications and process are all governed by state law. Sheriff Neil Warren was elected Sheriff of Cobb County in 2004. Sheriff Warren served as Chief Deputy for many years before assuming the role of Sheriff by the vacated position of Sheriff Bill Hutson. |
| (3) I have received a notice about a civil paper, what do I need to do? |
| Contact the Sheriff's Office at (770) 499-4633 or (770) 499-4741 during Monday through Friday through the hours of 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. The card indicates that the Sheriff's Office has a civil service notice for the named party. |
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