Chief Deputy Denise Youngblood

Denise Youngblood has spent her adult life in law enforcement beginning at the age of 19. She is a 1988 graduate of Berrien County High School in Nashville, Georgia. She graduated with an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in 1990. After obtaining her Associate’s Degree, she continued her love for law enforcement by attending ABAC Regional Police Academy Basic Mandate Course graduating in July of 1990. After graduation, Youngblood joined the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office as a Reserve Deputy and was hired on in early 1991. She was assigned as a Deputy and K9 handler to the Patrol Division while finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Georgia (1992). After graduating from UGA, she was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division as an Investigator.

In 1995, Youngblood was hired as a Special Agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. She served in the Albany Field Office of the GBI until 1997 when Sheriff Hancock, then Chief Deputy, and former Sheriff Donnie Haralson recruited her back to Crisp County Sheriff’s Office to lead the Criminal Investigation Division. She served in that capacity for 19 years until her appointment in 2016 to Chief Deputy. She also served as a K9 Handler for 22 years, handling narcotic detection and patrol canines. Continuing her education, while working full time, Youngblood received her Master’s Degree in Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University (2014).

Col. Youngblood believes in life long education and training. She has instructed courses across the United States for the US Drug Enforcement Administration and St. Petersburg Junior College in the areas of K9 handling/management and Drug Interdiction. She holds GA POST Instructor Certifications in General Instruction, Firearms and Defensive Tactics. She also is a former adjunct instructor for South Georgia Technical College in their Criminal Justice program.

Col. Youngblood is married and has two children. She is an active member of Pinecrest Baptist Church.