School Resource Officer
Chad Mann
Under Sheriff Shirley's leadership, the Sheriff's Office formed its Explorer Post 77 for youth, ages 14 - 20, who express an interest in a future career in Law Enforcement. This program empowers teens enrolled with education and skills to further their ambitions, while it enhances our agency's efficiency and effectiveness in serving the citizens of Stephens County. To date, we have successfully employed six program graduates at the Sheriff's Office and Detention Center.
Those who are interested in becoming a Law Enforcement Explorer with the Stephens County Sheriff's Office can expect to learn about criminal case law, court procedures and basic policies & procedures that guide deputies and jailers through their daily tasks and routines. Youth should also anticipate various opportunities to serve the community at-large, while under the instruction and direction of Sheriff's Office personnel. Explorer Post 77 will additionally provide them with the chance to compete and display the skills they learn in a national competition, held annually in Gatlinburg (TN).
To participate, youth must be at least 14 years of age, maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) and have no major misdemeanor or felony convictions. For an application, or more information, please contact Staff Sergeant Chad.Mann@
Prior to serving the citizens of Stephens County in my current role, I have been an SRO (School Resource Officer) in Hall and Habersham Counties. Additionally, I have served as a Community Service Officer (Hall), Lieutenant in Public Information and Crime Prevention (Troup County), Corrections Sergeant (Troup County and the Georgia Department of Corrections) and Radio Personality for several broadcasting companies across the State of Georgia.
In my wheelhouse, I have acquired the following skills and performed a variety of functions to include: A Georgia Sheriff's Association's certified C.H.A.M.P.S. Instructor and local agency coordinator, certification as an ACT Specialist (Investigator for Seniors and At-Risk Adults), Basic/Intermediate/Advanced Public Information Officer Certification, Child Safety Seat Technician, certification in Police Mountain Bike Operations, Chair of Hall County's Relay for Life, the Georgia Association of Broadcasting's Best Radio Personality in 2021 and various other accomplishments.
Presently, I lead a crew of six other highly trained and dedicated School Resource Officers for the Stephens County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Randy Shirley. We are Law Enforcement Officers/Deputies, sworn to protect and serve the citizens while ensuring a safe, orderly and secure learning environment for all students in our Stephens County public schools.
