Trevor W. Readdick • Age: 35. • Resides: St. Marys. • Marital status and immediate family: Wife, Nicole Readdick, and son, Frazier Readdick. • Previous elected office: District 3 commissioner, Camden County Board of Commissioners – 3 years, 4 months. • Education: Bachelor of Science in construction and minor in business administration at Georgia Southern University, 2011. • Occupation and employer: CEO, Readdick Construction • Church and community affi liations: Immediate Past President, Home Builders Association of Georgia Past President, Rotary Club of Camden County Past Board Member, Camden County Chamber of Commerce Past President, Home Builders Associate of Camden County Past Committee Member, Habitat for Humanity Building Committee Recipient & Named Donor, Lewis Cenker Scholarship Fund Member, Sigma Chi Fraternity 40 under 40 Class of 2023, Georgia Southern University 40 under 40 Class of 2023, Tribune & Georgian 2017 Occupational Advisory Committee Member of the Year, National Association of Home Builders Introductory Statement There are two types of businesses: Ones that provide a product and ones that provide a service. I’m here to tell you that law enforcement is a business! Public safety services fall under the purview of the Sheriff as a constitutional offi cer, and it’s the Sheriff’s responsibility to deliver those services in the most effi cient manner possible. Truthfully, if more government was run like private sector businesses, then government would be a lot more effective in their endeavors. Some people misunderstand the role of the Sheriff, and what the Sheriff actually does on a daily basis. I can promise you that the Sheriff is not serving search warrants or writing speeding tickets, the Sheriff is to be a representative of the people. My plan of running a sheriff’s offi ce that aligns with a representative form of government will include implementing an advisory council, holding public forums and restoring transparency. My outsider experience in the business sector positions me as the only candidate who can bring reform. Both of my opponents have worked for the Camden County Sheriff’s Offi ce for nearly 30 years and have contributed to the negative culture. My time spent as a Camden County Commissioner has allowed me to see behind the scenes at the many challenges facing our sheriff’s offi ce. It has also taught me how county government operates, which is a necessity to become a successful Sheriff. In the last several years, the Camden County Sheriff’s Offi ce has faced double-digit lawsuits for infractions within the Camden County jail, for vehicle stops (PIT maneuvers) and more. What is your plan to reduce or limit future litigation against the sheriff’s offi ce? Under my leadership, I will bring a series of new policies, as well as reform existing policies to reduce future liabilities and limit lawsuits. Camden County’s recent claim history far exceeds counties of our size, which led to the notice of non-renewal in the Law Enforcement Liability and Commercial Auto insurance categories. With insurance premiums up 50% ($1.2 million) and deductibles up 1,500% ($250,000 and $350,000), it won’t take many claims before costs to the taxpayers rival that of Spaceport Camden. To address this problem, you must fully understand the nature of insurance. The only solution will be a reduction in the frequency of claims and the severity of claims. That will only occur by implementing a reformation of policies, which I will do on Day One of taking offi ce. There must be a zero-tolerance policy introduced for excessive force. Jail isn’t supposed to be a pleasant place, but this is still America where alleged offenders are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Let’s stop taking matters into our own hands at the expense of taxpayers. Under my watch, a deputy who violates their oath of offi ce will be fi red, de-badged, arrested and then transported to a jail outside of Camden County. Camden County is one of the only jurisdictions around still performing PIT maneuvers on anything other than forceable felonies – this needs to change. Reducing auto liabilities will also happen by putting more control on which deputies are driving vehicles. I’m aware of several deputies who work solely in an offi ce environment that are driving take-home vehicles. Not only does this put an additional liability on the taxpayers, but it adds unnecessary expenses of fuel and vehicle repairs. Vehicles should be prioritized to deputies where driving is a critical component of fulfi lling their job responsibilities. The Camden County Jail remains understaffed and in disrepair. What will you do, as sheriff, to ensure the jail operates with full staffi ng and is managed appropriately? Recognizing the critical need for reform in jail operations and personnel policies, I propose comprehensive changes to improve safety, effi ciency, and respect for human rights. My approach involves recruiting knowledgeable and ethical professionals to lead these reforms, leveraging my management expertise to oversee the transformation of jail operations into models of safety and effectiveness. Starting patrol deputies earn more than starting police offi cers; yet, the city police departments maintain higher staffi ng levels. This fact alone illustrates that the low staffi ng level is due to culture and not compensation. I am dedicated to building a motivated, professional and dedicated law enforcement team in Camden County. My plans include applying my management acumen to create an attractive work environment, emphasizing professional development, competitive compensation, and a culture of respect and support. My leadership will ensure the sheriff’s office attracts and retains the best personnel, essential for delivering high-quality law enforcement services. Building a new jail must be prioritized, but it will likely be a time-consuming endeavor. Meanwhile, our current jail facilities must be brought up to standards set by the Department of Justice and the National Institute of Corrections. Part of my solution will be to staff the unoccupied jail expansion, which was built over 10 years ago. Funding for additional jailers was approved almost two years ago; yet, the first jailer has not been hired. This jail expansion is the perfect solution to house low-risk inmates while helping our overcrowding issues. I will prioritize the budget so that we have the means to house inmates in a safe and well-managed environment. How will you ensure the sheriff’s department builds and maintains community trust? My leadership philosophy centers on community engagement and service. I am committed to leading a sheriff’s office that is not only responsive but also integrated into the fabric of our community. By choosing the best personnel and leveraging my extensive management experience, I’ll aim to foster a culture of respect, safety and cooperation between the sheriff’s office and the residents of Camden County. I am committed to engaging with Camden County residents to develop and implement policy reforms that reflect community values and improve public safety. By forming advisory boards and hosting public forums, I plan to gather input and work closely with a carefully selected team of professionals. My strong management background ensures these reforms will be thoughtfully developed and effectively implemented, fostering a sheriff’s office that is accountable, transparent and aligned with the community it serves. I stand for a transparent and integrity-driven Camden County Sheriff’s Office. Understanding the importance of leadership and the right team, my plans are to surround myself with the best personnel, ensuring policies and operations are transparent and accountable to the public. My management experience in both business and public service positions me as the candidate who can restore trust and effectiveness to the sheriff’s office. With a strategic vision for crime reduction, I plan to bring innovative solutions from outside traditional law enforcement. I know the value of assembling a topnotch team to implement data-driven policing methods and community collaborations. My proven management skills ensure these strategies will be executed effectively, making Camden County a safer place for everyone.