Sheriff Carlton Speed
Sheriff Carlton Speed has proudly served in law enforcement for over 30 years. A 1995 graduate of the basic law enforcement academy, he has dedicated his career to protecting and improving the lives of those in his community. Since taking office as Sheriff of Banks County in 2013, he has led with a focus on integrity, safety, and innovation.
Professionalism. Respect. Integrity. Dependability. Empathy.
Throughout his tenure, Sheriff Speed has elevated the professionalism of the department, earning certifications from both the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and the Georgia Sheriffs' Association. He guided the agency to become the 23rd sheriff's office to receive accreditation through GACP, and one of the first 5 agencies to achieve accreditation through the GSA's Office of the Sheriff Accreditation Program, demonstrating a strong commitment to accountability, transparency, and operational excellence.
Sheriff Speed is known for his passion for community outreach. He created the Shop with a Hero program to provide children in need with positive experiences alongside first responders during the holiday season. His efforts have helped strengthen trust and build lasting relationships between law enforcement and local families.
One of his most notable achievements is the development of Georgia’s first-ever Heightened Enforcement Response Officer (HERO) Unit within the school system. This groundbreaking initiative consists of specially trained and experienced deputies, most with prior SWAT or military backgrounds, who undergo advanced HERO-specific training to serve as a proactive, on-site protection detail in every Banks County school.
“The HERO Unit provides the school system with an instantaneous response by a heavily-armed, highly-trained, proactive protection detail,” says Sheriff Speed. “The need for the HERO Unit became an increasingly apparent reality due to the frequency of nationwide school shootings. As with many area schools, our school system, along with the sheriff’s office, has investigated several unsubstantiated threats against our school system after the 2018 Parkland High School incident. There’s no price tag you can put on the safety of a child.”
Throughout his tenure, Sheriff Speed has been recognized for his service. Sheriff Speed served as the President of the Georgia Sheriff's Association from 2020 to 2021. In recognition of his leadership and innovation, Sheriff Speed was named Georgia Sheriff of the Year in 2023 by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association.
With a legacy defined by service, progress, and protection, Sheriff Speed continues to serve the people of Banks County with honor and purpose.
