Chatham County sheriff recaps first 100 days
WSAV sat down with Coleman, and he said he remains optimistic about the challenges that lie ahead.
'We put emphasis on in-person visitation, which we are looking to complete real soon,' he said. 'We put emphasis on budgeting and staffing.'
In-person jail visits were halted during the COVID- 19 pandemic and hasn't continued. Community members are looking forward to its return and Coleman revealed the anticipated start date is late April.
'We're in the post-COVID era now,' Coleman continued. 'And I think the time is now to allow individuals in the community to reunite and at some point, have in-person eyes on their loved ones and to check on their welfare.'
Before he was elected Coleman promised to address gaps within the agency like staffing shortages. He told WSAV that when he took over, the agency was nearly 200 employees short. Now, he said about 60% of those vacancies have been covered, and they are actively working to be fully staffed. To accomplish this, officials say he is a believer in the 'second chance initiative', which allows qualified individuals a second chance at serving the community.
'It just strengthens your ability to serve when you actually have numbers,' said Coleman.
He continued, 'What we've done essentially is start up new units to support local law enforcement agencies in their crime prevention efforts.'
For Coleman he is already looking ahead to the next 100 days.
'We want to strengthen our law enforcement efforts to the Chatham County community,' he said. 'And we just want to strengthen our overall position at the Chatham County Sheriff's Office to include a new project that we're taking on as far as filling manpower at the new courthouse.'
Coleman also pointed to his worked to improve jail conditions. They have upgraded food and service quality.
Coleman is the first black male to be elected as sheriff in Chatham County.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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