EXPERIENCED.
ETHICAL.
EQUITABLE.
ELECTION DAY:
NOVEMBER 5TH
EARLY VOTING
OCTOBER 15TH – NOVEMBER 1ST
MEET OUR SHERIFF
As a lifelong resident of Savannah, Sheriff Wilcher has a proven dedication to the Chatham County community. He has been recognized by several organizations for his outstanding service, including being the recipient of the Georgia Sheriffs' Association Excellence Award, the Judge Edward Hester Award from the Savannah Bar Association, the Trial Lawyer's Award, and was named Georgia Equality's 2019 Champion for Equality, MLK Award: Elected Official of the Year 2020, and the Liberty Bell Award from the Young Lawyers of Savannah Bar Association.
A veteran law enforcement officer with 48 years of service with the Chatham County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff John T. Wilcher has served in nearly every capacity of law enforcement. After serving in the United States Navy and the United States Army Reserve for a combined total of six years, Sheriff Wilcher started his career with the Sheriff's Office in 1974 at the old Chatham County Jail on Habersham Street in downtown Savannah. In 2014, he retired from the Sheriff’s Office at the rank of Colonel. In April 2016, he won the Chatham County Sheriff special election to replace the late Sheriff Al St. Lawrence. In November 2016, he won the general election to serve a four-year term as Sheriff. Running unopposed in 2020, Wilcher was re-elected for another four-year term.
In his capacity as Sheriff, Wilcher volunteered for the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes and for many years, has been instrumental in raising over $350,000 for the organization through the Annual Chatham County Sheriff's Office Poker Run, which he created and hosted for 17 years. In 2018, Sheriff Wilcher, along with his dedicated staff, began work for accreditation in mental health services. In 2019, the Sheriff's Office became the first jail in the country to receive accreditation for mental health services, as well as the first to achieve dual accreditation in mental health and health services from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC).
Sheriff Wilcher is married to his wife Dorothy, and they have two grown children.
Moreover, Sheriff Wilcher has been a staunch advocate for minority communities, addressing concerns and working tirelessly to bridge gaps between law enforcement and the people they serve. His commitment to fairness and justice has been evident in his efforts to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, receives equal treatment under the law.
Innovative Programs and Community Engagement
Sheriff Wilcher's leadership is characterized by forward-thinking initiatives that address the root causes of crime and promote community well-being. He has championed programs aimed at youth development, recognizing that investing in our young people is crucial for the future of Chatham County. Sheriff Wilcher has provided opportunities for at-risk youth to thrive and steer clear of criminal activities, from mentorship programs to educational workshops.
ON THE ISSUES
Additionally, Sheriff Wilcher has prioritized mental health support and rehabilitation programs within the county jail system. By offering comprehensive mental health services and substance abuse treatment, he has demonstrated a commitment to rehabilitating offenders and reducing recidivism rates. These initiatives not only enhance public safety but also contribute to the overall health and well-being of our community.
Sheriff Wilcher understands that a diverse community requires a nuanced and inclusive approach to law enforcement. His administration has taken deliberate steps to ensure that the Sheriff's Office reflects the rich diversity of Chatham County. By recruiting officers from various backgrounds and providing comprehensive cultural sensitivity training, Sheriff Wilcher has fostered an environment where all residents feel respected and valued.
Transparency and Accountability
In an era when trust in law enforcement is so important, Sheriff Wilcher has exemplified transparency and accountability. He has implemented body-worn camera programs, ensuring that interactions between officers and residents are documented and that any concerns can be addressed promptly and fairly. This commitment to transparency builds trust and reassures the community that their voices are heard and their rights protected.
Furthermore, Sheriff Wilcher has established open lines of communication with community leaders, advocacy groups, and residents. Regular town hall meetings and public forums provide platforms for dialogue, enabling the Sheriff's Office to address concerns and work collaboratively with the community to find solutions.
A Vision for the Future
Sheriff Wilcher's vision for Chatham County is one of continued progress and unity. His leadership is not just about maintaining the status quo but about striving for continuous improvement. By embracing modern technology, enhancing community engagement, and prioritizing the well-being of all residents, Sheriff Wilcher is paving the way for a safer and stronger Chatham County.
Sheriff John T. Wilcher's dedication to public safety, diversity, community engagement, and transparency makes him the clear choice for re-election. His proven track record and unwavering commitment to serving all residents of Chatham County demonstrate that he is the leader we need to guide us into a brighter future. Re-elect Sheriff Wilcher and continue to support a safer, stronger, and more united Chatham County.
REDUCING RECIDIVISM
Our Inmate Welfare Fund supports 17 diverse programs that form a foundational support structure enhancing the medical treatment for mental health. These programs include anger management, cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, therapy for criminal addictive behaviors/thinking processes, and both group and individual counseling sessions. Additional offerings are gardening therapy, art therapy, music therapy, yoga sessions, recreation, spiritual enrichment with diverse religious affiliations, and dog training. We also facilitate referrals to aftercare programs and provide necessary transportation to these facilities.
Program participants receive workbooks and packets containing lessons for completion in their cells outside of class time. This initiative enables them to continue their therapeutic activities independently, fostering personal growth and healing from past traumas.
The Substance Abuse Team at the Chatham County Detention Center comprises a group of qualified professionals dedicated to rehabilitation. This team includes six therapists with Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees, three Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), four certified alcohol and drug counselors (with two more currently in training), one peer support specialist, two nationally certified anger management specialists approved through the Chatham County Court System. They address issues that may contribute to criminal behavior and subsequent incarceration.
Sheriff Wilcher recognized and has taken action to address the mental health crisis in our community. CorrectHealth employs one full-time psychiatrist and one part-time psychiatrist, one full-time Psychiatric NP/one Psychiatric NP (PRN), six mental health counselors, one Mental Health Case Manager, one Mental Health Administrator, and one Gateway Liaison to ensure the availability of psychiatric services. This staffing strategy meets the mental health needs of inmates by providing both consistent and flexible care options.
The CARES (CorrectHealth Assisted Restoration and Evaluation Services) program is a pivotal part of our medical offerings, providing restoration services for inmates with mental health issues. It helps identify the specific services each inmate needs and links them to these services upon release. A specially designed 14-bed pod within the detention center enhances the recovery process, where clinicians explicitly assigned to this population work to restore them to competency for trial. This includes helping inmates regain knowledge through cognitive behavioral therapy, understand their charges, and know their rights.
Sheriff John Wilcher and the Chatham County Sheriff's Office prioritize therapeutic, educational, and literacy programs for inmates. Contracted service providers administer these programs to equip inmates with the skills and support necessary for successful rehabilitation.
Through partnerships with various community agencies, we ensure the availability of continuing treatment and educational opportunities for inmates upon their release, aiding their transition into the community.
For a more in-depth account of our therapeutic programs, please visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chathamcountysheriff