SB37.html

To amend Article 1 of Chapter 16 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions applicable to sheriffs, so as to change the qualifications for the office of sheriff; to make it unlawful for any sheriff in this state to engage either directly or indirectly in the private security, private investigation, bail bonding, or wrecker towing business; to provide a penalty; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Article 1 of Chapter 16 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions applicable to sheriffs, is amended by striking in its entirety subparagraph (c)(1)(J) of Code Section 15-16-1, relating to qualifications and training of sheriffs, and inserting in lieu thereof a new subparagraph (c)(1)(J) to read as follows:
"(J) Is a ~~registered peace officer as provided in Code Section 35-8-10 or is a~~ certified peace officer as defined in Chapter 8 of Title 35 and such certification is current and in good standing at the time of qualifying as a candidate for the office of sheriff. Any person who is not a registered or certified peace officer at the time such person assumes the office of sheriff shall be required to complete satisfactorily the requirements for certification as a peace officer as provided in Chapter 8 of Title 35 within six months after such person takes office; provided, however, that an extension of the time to complete such requirements may be granted by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council upon the presentation of evidence by a sheriff that he or she was unable to complete the basic training course and certification requirements due to illness, injury, military service, or other reasons deemed sufficient by such council. The Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council shall make every effort to ensure that space is available for newly elected sheriffs who are not certified or registered peace officers to attend the course as soon as possible after such persons take office. Such council shall notify the appropriate judge of the probate court whenever a newly elected sheriff who is not certified fails to become certified as a peace officer pursuant to the requirements of this subparagraph."

Said article is further amended by adding at the end thereof a new Code Section 15-16-29 to read as follows:
"15-16-29.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any sheriff in this state to engage either directly or indirectly in the private security, private investigation, bail bonding, or wrecker towing business.
(b) Any person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor."