Frequently Asked Question

Inmate Services

• How can I place money on inmates books?

Family and friends can deposit funds into an inmate's account for commissary purchases, medical services, etc. Money orders are accepted in any amount to deposit towards an inmate's account. Cash and personal checks are not accepted .  Money may also be deposited either online or via direct deposit using the ATM located in the Lobby of the ADC which accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash. Money deposited this way is automatically credited towards the inmates account.

• When can I visit an inmate?

You can read the rules and find the visitation schedule here.

• What can I send an inmate?

All incoming mail is monitored for contraband. Soft-cover books, periodicals, and magazines must be sent directly from the publisher, or authorized distributor, or online retail distributor. All books, periodicals and magazines must be of appropriate content (no pornography, no martial arts literature, no survival literature, etc). Contraband will be confiscated; contraband that violates a law will be turned over to the evidence officer and appropriate action will be taken by the staff member finding the contraband.

Polaroid photographs are contraband and will not be given to the inmate.

Regular photographs are permitted; inmates are limited to having three at any one time.

Bibles in both English and Spanish, as well as other religious materials are available free of charge from the Jail Chaplaincy Program. Any questions regarding chaplaincy services, please contact the Jail Programs Manager at 678-493-4169.

Stamps, envelopes, paper and pens are available for purchase from the jail commissary.  

C.O.D. mail will not be accepted.

No hard-back books will be accepted.

Incoming and outgoing mail may be read and rejected if there is reliable information that there is a threat to facility order and security, or that the mail is being used in the furtherance of illegal activity.

Any further questions regarding inmate and administrative services at the jail, you may contact the Jail Administrative Services supervisor at 678-493-4226.

• Do You Grant Emergency Leave to Inmates Held at the Adult Detention Center?

Emergency leave will not be granted OR transportation provided to sentenced inmates UNLESS directed by a court order.  No emergency leave will be authorized to locations outside Cherokee County . A minimum of two deputies will be assigned to provide security to inmates granted emergency leave within Cherokee County . All expenses associated with the transport and security of inmates authorized emergency leave will be the responsibility of the prisoner's family UNLESS it can be demonstrated that there in an inability to pay because of a financial hardship or other mitigating circumstances.

Recruiting

• Is the Cherokee Sheriff's Office currently hiring?

We are currently accepting applications to fill vacancies within the agency.

• What is the starting pay for an uncertified deputy?

The starting pay for an uncertified deputy is $34,300.24. After the deputy successfully completes the police academy or if the applicant is currently a certified Georgia Peace Officer the annual salary is $35,999.60.

• Does your agency offer pay incentives for those with a college education?

We pay an additional 2.5% for an Associate's Degree, 5% for a Bachelor's Degree and 7.5% for a Masters Degree. Also, persons that are fluent in Spanish and can successfully complete Spanish Proficiency exam with receive a 5% pay incentive.

• If hired, where will I be working?

New employees begin working in the Adult Detention Center. In most cases a new employee will be sent to Jail Certification School, which is a two week training course, within 6 months and later sent to the Police Academy within 2 years of their hire date. After successfully completing the academy the employee is eligible to transfer to Uniform Patrol Division when positions become available. The time frame for transferring to Uniform Patrol often varies but it is normally within 3 years of the applicants hire date.

• If I am a certified Peace Office and have experience in Uniform Patrol with another agency am I eligible bypass the jail and work in Uniform Patrol?

Applicants who are currently Georgia Peace Officers, have no "mandate pay-back obligation", and have a minimum of two years of field operations experience are eligible to apply for a lateral transfer to Uniform patrol Division. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements for lateral transfer must be approved by the Sheriff and complete all training requirements as required by agency directives to begin their employment in Uniform Patrol.

• What are the minimum requirements to be a deputy with your agency?

Applicants must be 21 years of age to be a Deputy Sheriff or 18 to be a Detention Officer. Have a high school diploma or GED. Possess a valid driver's license with no adverse driving record. If prior military applicants must have an Honorable Discharge (no exceptions). Applicants must be a U.S. citizen with no felony or family violence convictions. Applicants cannot have used Marijuana within the last 3 years or any other illegal drug with the last 5 years. Applicants can have no DUI convictions within the last 5 years.

• How long is the hiring Process?

Generally the hiring process takes 6 to 8 weeks.

• Should I mail in the application or hand deliver it?

You can mail your application to 498 Chattin Drive Canton, Georgia 30115 (attention Susan Urode) or bring to our headquarters at the same address.