The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office is lead by some of the most experienced law enforcement professionals that currently serve anywhere today.
Sheriff Jud Smith
Jud Smith has been a lifelong resident of Barrow County with deep family roots. Jud graduated from Winder Barrow High School in 1994 and later attended Middle Georgia College where he played baseball. Jud then transferred to Columbus State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and later received his Master’s Degree through the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College also at Columbus State University.
Jud has been in the law enforcement field for over twenty two years. He is married to his wife Stephanie and they have two children, Conyer and Addison. Jud’s goal is to ensure the citizens and visitors of Barrow County are protected and they receive the most professional and ethical law enforcement service in the State of Georgia.
Colonel Michael Hamm
Chief Deputy
Colonel Mike Hamm started his law enforcement career with the Georgia Southern University Police Department while attending college at Georgia Southern. He received his Bachelor Degree in Justice Studies from the University in 1998. Colonel Hamm resigned from the University Police Department in 1999 to take a position with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff.
Colonel Hamm joined the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office in 2000 as a Deputy Sheriff. He was promoted to Investigator within six months after his start with the Sheriff’s Office. Colonel Hamm was also selected as one of the original members of the newly formed Barrow County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. Team in 2001. Colonel Hamm has worked as a general investigator, Traffic Unit Sergeant, Lieutenant-Assistant Division Commander of the Special Operations Division and Captain-Division Commander Administrative Division. He was transferred back to the Criminal Investigations Division in 2006 as Division Commander. In January of 2015, he was promoted to Chief Deputy. Colonel Hamm is a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College. He has also received his Masters of Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University.
Colonel Hamm has received several awards during his law enforcement career such as Meritorious Service Medal, Deputy of the Year, and Supervisor of the Year. Colonel Hamm is married and has two children. He is also a member of Chestnut Mountain Church.
Danielle Austin
Administrative Coordinator
Ms. Austin is a highly skilled and accomplished executive assistant with a remarkable career in local government. With twenty years of invaluable experience in the field, Danielle has consistently demonstrated exceptional organizational and administrative abilities, making a significant impact on the smooth functioning of whatever agency she is employed by.
As a seasoned professional, Danielle possesses a deep understanding of the intricate workings of local government agencies and the critical role played by executive assistants in supporting their operations. Throughout her career she has honed her skills in managing complex calendars, coordinating high-level meetings and events, and facilitating seamless communication among various departments.
One of Ms. Austin’s standout expertise lies in her prowess as a grant writer. With an extensive background in this specialized field, Danielle has successfully secured substantial funding for numerous local government initiatives and programs. Her ability to identify funding opportunities, develop persuasive proposals, and build strong relationships with funding organizations has been instrumental in advancing the agency’s objectives and enhancing community safety.
Danielle is highly regarded for her professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence. She consistently strives to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results in every task she undertakes. Her exceptional attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with utmost discretion has made her an invaluable asset to the agency.
Beyond her administrative expertise, Ms. Austin is recognized for her exceptional interpersonal skills and their ability to build collaborative relationships with colleagues, superiors, and external stakeholders. She possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills, allowing her to effectively convey complex ideas and information to diverse audiences.
Throughout her career, Danielle has played a vital role in streamlining operations, improving efficiency, and contributing to the overall success of the local government agency she serves. Her unwavering dedication and passion for her work has earned her the respect of peers and superiors alike.
As Ms. Austin continues to excel in her role as a high-level executive assistant, she remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and continuing to make a positive impact on the agency and the community it serves.