AUGUSTA, GA (WFXG) -
Sheriff-elect Richard Roundtree makes history tomorrow when he is sworn in as the first black sheriff in Richmond County. This is not unfamiliar territory for Roundtree who has served Richmond County as a lieutenant.
After a 4-week training course with other elected sheriffs in 43 other counties, he has a clear focus. He sat down with FOX54's Elizabeth Rawlins about his plans for the upcoming year.
"The main theme across the state of Georgia with every sheriff is about getting the community involved and becoming a partner with the sheriff has been the main thing," said Roundtree.
The key to success, he says, actively engaging the community and getting them involved
More specifically for the CSRA, reducing violence and gang activity in Richmond County. Recent reports indicate murder rates have increased in just one year, from 2011 to 2012.
"One of my main initiatives is starting an intelligence bureau so we can start tracking trends and violent crime rates. One of my other initiatives is to start a gang task force," said Roundtree.
Richmond County being one of the largest sheriff precincts in the state, Roundtree plans to make these strides through strategy and technology using camera surveillance and tracking software.
The former resource officer for Richmond County Schools even considers the recent shooting in Connecticut and taking necessary precautions for the local community.
"The good thing about it is, whatever resources we both can share to ensure the safety of our children, that's not going to be an issue at all," said Roundtree.
Other changes to expect include bridging the gap in the community by adding a public information officer.
"We can become more accessible and media friendly with the people to let them know what's going on because people really just want to know what's going within their community and what's going on in their sheriff's office," said Roundtree.
Open to the public, the swearing-in ceremony will take place at the John Ruffin Courthouse Thursday at 10 a.m.
A reception luncheon will follow at Beulah Grove Baptist Church from 11-2 p.m.
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