At the close of March, an invitation was extended to all Paulding County candidates, offering them a platform to address common questions and share their stances with the community. Here are the unaltered responses of Chad Hunton, providing insight into his vision for the Paulding County Sheriff's Office.
About Chad Hunton
Chad Hunton is married to Jennifer, and together they have five children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and a grandson. He is a graduate of Paulding County High School and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps Reserves. Chad holds an Associates of Science Degree in Criminal Justice along with multiple Georgia POST Certifications. His interests include hunting, fishing, and caring for animals. Chad has been with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office since July 1997.
He serves on several boards in the county for different community groups, including the Family Alliance of Paulding, Paulding Recovery Community Organization (steering committee), Shepherd’s Rest Ministries, NAMI Paulding Emerging, and previously the Paulding FCA.
Motivation and Experience
Driven by family stories of service in law enforcement, Chad knew from a young age that he wanted to serve his community. After returning from training in the Marines, he began his career at the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Bruce Harris, initially working in the Jail. After receiving his peace officer certification, he transitioned to the Patrol Division.
His career highlights include:
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- Original member of the SWAT team (1998-2017), serving as SWAT Commander (2014-2017).
- Member of the Honor Guard Unit (1998-2014), serving as Honor Guard Commander for the last two years.
- Selected for the Crime Suppression Unit in December 1998.
- Promoted to Sergeant in 2001, assigned to Uniform Patrol Division as a supervisor.
- Transferred to the Training Division in 2003, enhancing the Field Training Evaluation Program, starting a patrol rifle program, and implementing neighborhood watch initiatives.
- Promoted to Lieutenant and appointed Director of Training.
- Appointed as Warrants/Civil Division Commander in 2008, promoted to Captain.
- Appointed as Jail Administrator in 2010, promoted to Major, achieving Georgia Jail Standards with the Georgia Sheriff’s Association and developing a classification system.
- Appointed as Chief Administrator in 2014, promoted to Lt. Colonel, assisting with day-to-day operations and streamlining budget processes.
- Appointed Chief Deputy in 2017, promoted to Colonel, focusing on team building and collaboration.
Chad Hunton believes that his success in the Sheriff’s Office stems from listening to staff and focusing on their needs and desires, recognizing that it takes the entire staff to serve the community effectively.
Key Platform Points
Accountability and Transparency
One of Chad Hunton's pillars is policy and oversight. He expects the residents of Paulding County to hold him accountable, and in turn, he will expect the same from his staff.
Recruiting Qualified Candidates
Another pillar focuses on staff wellness and safety, including equipment and peer support. By expanding educational incentives and working to set a competitive pay scale, Chad aims to attract certified peace officers to fill vacancies.
Retaining Experienced Deputies
Chad Hunton plans to allow staff to work to their strengths and continue their education and training in areas of interest, supporting their career goals and creating a workplace where they can grow and perform at a higher standard for the citizens.
Compensation for Deputies
Chad believes in a pay scale that rewards staff for their years of service, education, and competitive benefits, including enhancing the pension system.
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Training and Professional Development
He will continue to use different training groups to bring training to the agency, allowing staff to attend locally. He also supports seeking external classes to help staff develop and grow, providing opportunities to learn new skills and ideas to bring back to the agency.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Chad Hunton's approach has always been "love thy neighbor as thy self," emphasizing its importance to the community and the Sheriff’s Office.
Community Policing
As the team grows, deputies will be assigned to smaller zones within the county, allowing them to learn about the area, know residents, and identify potential issues. Building these relationships will ensure trust and commitment from both law enforcement and residents.
Cold Cases and Unsolved Crimes
Chad’s initial approach involves attracting retired homicide and felony case investigators to review case information and evidence, seeking overlooked leads and additional evidence.
Modernizing the Sheriff’s Department
He plans to continue utilizing grant funding to build upon existing initiatives, including license plate readers, technological equipment for locating wanted persons and vehicles, and criminal analysis technicians. He also aims to enhance technology for staff to improve proficiency and community service.
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Mental Health and Crisis Intervention
Chad will build upon the initiative started two years ago by offering incentives for Senior Jailer and Senior Deputy Certifications, which include Crisis Intervention Training. He also plans to continue contracting with mental health services for the Jail, a practice in place since 2014.
Misconduct and Complaints
These issues will be investigated and handled appropriately. The department has updated software to monitor use-of-force encounters and formed a use-of-force board with newer procedures to aid in identifying and addressing potential issues.
Substance Abuse and Addiction
Chad Hunton will continue to provide resources to the inmate population, including addiction services like Celebrate Recovery. He also plans to continue working with the Paulding Recovery Community Organization and other rehabilitation organizations to connect citizens with valuable resources.
Collaboration with Local Agencies and Organizations
He emphasizes the importance of maintaining good working relationships with partners, sharing information, and communicating regularly. Community organizations such as CASA, Family Connections, and the Pastors Alliance will be crucial to the organization’s success.
Juvenile Delinquency
Chad aims to impact youth through School Resource Deputies developing relationships with students, deputies participating as coaches and mentors, and expanding the Youth Cadet Program. He also supports efforts to help organizations like Family Alliance of Paulding and BOE social workers improve home environments for underserved youth.
Protests and Civil Unrest
As a constitutional office, the First Amendment must be protected while maintaining order and safety. The Special Response Team (SRT), which trains weekly, will be prepared to respond to protests or civil unrest, protecting First Amendment rights while ensuring everyone’s safety.
Budget Constraints and Resource Allocation
A Day in the Life: Community Policing Specialist
Chad Hunton will focus on efficient resource allocation to address the opioid epidemic and other public health crises. Naloxone has been purchased with grant funding for all deputies. He will work with community organizations such as Paulding RCO, Drug Free Paulding, and rehabilitation organizations. The Drug Task Force will vigorously work to identify and prosecute those selling dangerous narcotics.
Domestic Violence
Given Paulding's status as a bedroom community, domestic violence is a high call volume issue. By collaborating with organizations like Shepherd’s Rest Ministries, Chad aims to connect victims to services. He also supports reactivating the domestic violence task force, a collaborative group from different agencies and organizations focused on awareness and prosecution.
Improving Public Safety
By communicating more with the public, Chad aims to raise awareness and educate residents on how to protect themselves. He will build relationships with residents and business owners to help prevent victimization, utilizing social media and other media outlets. Technological crime-fighting tools and data analysis will enable a more proactive approach.
Emergency Preparedness
Chad sees opportunities to enhance preparedness to assist partners like Fire Rescue. He aims to secure the training, staff, and equipment needed to respond and assist effectively. He will continue to educate about the Life Saver Project for those with special needs and mental health disorders. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic will inform responses to natural disasters and active shooter scenarios. Deputies will be equipped with protective gear for these scenarios.
Long-Term Vision
Chad's long-term vision is to prepare younger staff to continue the mission through education, training, career goals, and fostering staff ideas. He aims to make the Sheriff’s Office an agency where others want to join, fulfilling their calling to serve the community. Success will be measured by the response from the community and staff.
Closing Statement
Chad Hunton believes he has been called to serve the community and staff. He was taught in the Marine Corps to take care of those under his charge, and in turn, they will take care of you. As a proven leader who has grown within the Sheriff’s Office, Chad believes God has prepared him to be the next Sheriff. "If we concentrate on the needs and desires of others, our needs will be met." God has called him to serve and protect, and that’s what he will continue to do.
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