Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones, a 35-year employee of the department, just began his fourth term as sheriff.
Jones was elected sheriff for the first time in 1998.
"I really work hard to educate people on what the sheriff's office really does," Jones said. "We do so much more than just law enforcement."
Jones is originally from Montgomery and graduated from Lanier High School.
He graduated from Auburn in 1976 with a degree in law enforcement, making him the first person in his family to graduate from college.
Jones said his law enforcement career began as a result of his senior internship at the old Lee County Sheriff's office on Ninth Street in Opelika.
"I reported to the sheriff's office, and my first assignment was to clean the bathroom," Jones said.
After his fall internship, Sheriff Jim Pearson offered Jones a paid position.
During his early years at the department, Jones worked in the jail as a communication officer receiving 911 calls, and he was later offered a commission as a deputy sheriff.
The two sheriffs who preceded him, Pearson and Herman Chapman, were major influences in Jones' decision to pursue the position of sheriff.
"I just admire both of those men for their dedication to public service, and they both were advocates of service to the people, and that stuck with me," Jones said. "They were great mentors."
Jones said there are many aspects of his job that are rewarding, but some of his most enjoyable moments come from working with the people in his office and being able to make a positive impact on their lives.
"It really bothers me to see somebody treated unfairly, and that goes a long way to motivate me," Jones said. "If someone makes it their business to cause injustice to others, then it's our job to try and set that straight."
As for the challenges of being sheriff, Jones said they have evolved during the years. Currently, the biggest challenge is the budget.
"The economy affects our funding, and our level of funding affects our ability to provide services," Jones said.
He said even though the balance between budget and services is a constant struggle, the lack of funds does promote creativity and improvisation that seem to unify the department.
Jones said having the University in his jurisdiction has an impact on his job as sheriff, but that impact is a positive one.
"It keeps the community vibrant--you're exposed to new ideas from different segments of interest," Jones said. "Plus, there are opportunities to partner with the University and develop better ways to do what we do."
Jones cited the example of his department being the only county jail in the state that is partially powered by solar panels, and this resulted from a partnership with the University.
Jones said the most important thing college students wishing to pursue a career in law enforcement can do is enhance their communication skills.
"Effective communicators in spoken and written word are needed in the field of criminal justice and public safety," Jones said. "That, I think, is one of the most important skills that a person can possess in order to do this job effectively."
Although the majority of his work as sheriff is administrative, Jones said he occasionally gets the opportunity to spend time out in the field.
"I was in uniform patrol and worked investigations for many years--I was chief investigator at the time I decided to run for sheriff, and I miss that sometimes," he said.
Jones said his greatest achievement as sheriff thus far is gaining and maintaining the respect of the people in the county.
"With respect comes support, and without the public's support we cannot do our job," he said.
Although work occupies the majority of his time, Jones said he also enjoys running, seeking opportunities to instruct others in law enforcement and spending time with his four children.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
