Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett has asked a court to intervene in a funding dispute with county officials, claiming the sheriff’s office is not receiving enough support to run its law enforcement and detention operations.
Scandrett filed a case in Henry County Superior Court seeking mandamus and injunctive relief. He wants a judge to order the county to meet what he says are its legal obligations to the sheriff’s office.
The sheriff’s office says Henry County’s population growth, rising demand for services and overcrowding at the jail have placed increasing pressure on its resources. Scandrett also claims he repeatedly warned county officials about staffing and infrastructure concerns before taking legal action.
“I did not want to take this step, but I have exhausted every other option,” Scandrett said in a statement announcing the case.
The filing announcement did not set out the amount of additional funding being sought, the number of staff positions involved or the specific improvements the sheriff wants the court to require. The claims have not yet been determined by a judge.
Scandrett said the Henry County Sheriff’s Office would continue providing services while the case moves through the courts.
The dispute has prompted questions from some residents about spending by the sheriff’s office, including on vehicles, a helicopter, office renovations and administrative posts. Others have highlighted concerns about the county’s growth, jail staffing, and the pay and working conditions of detention officers.
There was no immediate indication that the county had publicly responded to the court action. The case is expected to determine whether county officials must take further steps to support the sheriff’s office.
