The Sheriff is responsible for maintaining the peace within the county, protecting life, protecting property, and providing service to the community. As an elected official, the Sheriff is directly accountable to the people.

In the state of Georgia, the Sheriff is both a constitutional and a county officer. Specific duties of the Office of Sheriff include: providing law enforcement and traffic safety services, operating the county jail, serving as an officer of the court and serving criminal warrants, subpoenas and civil papers.

"It is our mission to protect and serve the people of Lamar County; to provide high quality law enforcement and public safety endeavors; to work in partnership with the community, always respecting the individual; to improve the quality of life for all  citizens; to  commit totally to the virtues of honesty, integrity, and morality; to serve the young people of the county by providing  presence, programs, and security in the elementary, middle, and high schools; to uphold the letter and spirit of this mission statement by recognizing the value and importance of each member of the Sheriff?s Office staff; and to insure that each member of this staff and the public is treated equitably and fairly. We will accomplish this overall mission by providing all Sheriff's Office employees with high quality training in job skills and leadership, and the proper tools and equipment to operate efficiently, safely, and economically."

                                                                                          ~Larry Waller