AUGUSTA, Ga. — It’s been just over a month since Eugene Brantley was sworn in as Richmond County’s newest sheriff, and the veteran lawman has wasted no time addressing the county’s pressing issues. Campaigning on a promise to restore community trust and improve the sheriff’s office, Brantley has focused on tackling rising crime rates, a fentanyl epidemic, and the overcrowded jail, all while trying to boost morale among deputies.

In his first month, Brantley’s leadership has been marked by a series of significant steps aimed at restoring order and safety to the area. He campaigned on the belief that Richmond County’s standards had dropped, a sentiment that resonated with voters who elected him over former Sheriff Richard Roundtree.

“There’s still much work to do,” Brantley said, reflecting on his first few weeks in office. “But change doesn’t happen overnight. It starts with establishing a sheriff’s office that the community can trust—one that’s transparent and committed to making a difference.”

One of Brantley’s first actions as sheriff was to reinstate the crime suppression team, which had been reduced in previous years. The team, now strengthened with additional officers, focuses on targeted patrols to combat crime. Brantley emphasized the importance of an increased presence, particularly during late hours and in high-traffic areas like downtown Augusta.

“We want people to feel safe,” Brantley explained. “Once the community sees that we’re out there making arrests and cracking down on crime, things will start to slow down.”

The sheriff’s office also introduced a new traffic team to help address both rising crime and the area’s significant homelessness problem. In addition to this, Brantley is using a more strategic approach to managing the jail’s overcrowding. By delaying bond release times for certain offenders, the sheriff’s office has managed to keep more people behind bars while still managing the system’s limited capacity.

However, Brantley is quick to point out that law enforcement alone cannot solve the county’s problems. Community involvement is critical to creating long-term change. “It’s going to take the public getting involved,” he said. “When you see something, say something.”

In an effort to strengthen the community’s bond with law enforcement, Brantley has already secured a grant to fund additional traffic deputies, with plans to deploy more officers as they complete training. But the sheriff isn’t stopping there—he’s also looking ahead to youth outreach programs to further foster positive relationships between young people and law enforcement.

One such initiative is the introduction of a midnight basketball program, which Brantley hopes will offer a safe space for youth while keeping them off the streets. “We want to give kids an opportunity to stay engaged, be productive, and stay out of trouble,” he said.

While the challenges facing Richmond County are significant, Brantley’s commitment to making tangible changes has been clear from the start. As the sheriff continues his work, the community is watching closely to see how his plans unfold—and whether the new leadership will bring the change voters are hoping for.

With a strong focus on both crime suppression and community involvement, Sheriff Brantley is working to turn his vision into reality, step by step.