Sheriff H.W. “Billy” Hancock

Sheriff Hancock currently serves as both the Sheriff of Crisp County and the Director of the Emergency Management Agency. His leadership has transformed public safety in the region, earning him recognition at local, state, and national levels. A lifelong advocate for community engagement and continuous improvement, Sheriff Hancock has built a career grounded in professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public trust.

A Distinguished Career in Public Safety

Billy Hancock began his career in Public Safety in 1977 and is currently serving his third term as Sheriff of Crisp County, having been appointed to fill the position after the untimely death of Sheriff Haralson. He has also served as the Emergency Management Director of Crisp County since 2014. Hancock began his career as an Emergency Medical Technician with Crisp County EMS. He has spent over 45 years in law enforcement, first being sworn in as a part-time Deputy with the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office in 1979. He later went to work for the Georgia State Patrol, where he was stationed at various locations throughout the state. He returned to the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office in 1990. He held the position of Chief Deputy for 19 years and served as the Deputy Director of the Crisp County Emergency Management Agency for 14 years. He oversees all facets of county law enforcement—from patrol operations and investigations to jail administration, 911 communications, and disaster response.

Sheriff Hancock has led his teams through numerous federally and state-declared disasters, coordinating multi-agency responses and securing critical resources to safeguard the county. His crisis leadership has positioned Crisp County as a model for emergency preparedness and response across Georgia.

A Commitment to Education and Excellence

Education has been a cornerstone of Sheriff Hancock’s philosophy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Homeland Security from Columbia Southern University and an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from South Georgia Technical College. He is also a certified Emergency Medical Technician, Cardiac Technician, and Master Manager (GEMA) and holds multiple Georgia POST law enforcement certifications, including Peace Officer, Jailor, and Instructor.

Beyond his education, Sheriff Hancock is a passionate advocate for education. He has served as an adjunct instructor at St. Petersburg Junior College and developed nationally recognized law enforcement training programs, including:

Rural Patrol Drug Investigations
Criminal Interdiction
Surviving High-Risk Encounters
Criminal Apprehension and Patrol Drug Enforcement

He has trained thousands of officers across the U.S. and Canada and remains an influential voice in the law enforcement training community.

Honors, Awards, and Recognition

SheriffHancock’s extraordinary service has earned numerous accolades, including:

Georgia Deputy Sheriff of the Year (1994, 2010)
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year – Cordele Judicial Circuit (2023)
VFW Law Enforcement Award (2017)
North Star Award – Boy Scouts of America (2024)
Lifetime Citizens Award – Crisp County Chamber of Commerce (2018)
Multiple awards from Lions Club International, including the Melvin Jones Award and Lion of the Year

These honors reflect not only his professional achievements but also his unwavering dedication to public service and community development.

Community Leadership and Involvement

Sheriff Hancock is a strong advocate of collaborative leadership. He serves on multiple advisory boards and professional organizations, including:

Chairperson, State of Georgia Emergency Communications Authority
Former Board Member, Georgia P.O.S.T. Basic Mandate Enhancement Board
Board Member, Southwestern Regional Drug Enforcement Office
Board Member Georgia Sheriff’s Retirement Fund
Member, National Sheriff’s Association and the Emergency Management Association of Georgia

His commitment to service also extends to civic organizations, such as the Lions Club International, where he has been a longtime member and has received numerous awards.

A Vision for the Future

Sheriff Hancock continues to lead with vision, strength, and a servant’s heart. He is deeply committed to enhancing public safety, promoting transparent community partnerships, and developing the next generation of leaders. Whether responding to emergencies, mentoring officers, or engaging with citizens, he remains steadfast in his mission to build a safer, stronger Crisp County.

As he often says, “True leadership is not about power—it’s about service, purpose, and the ability to inspire others to do what’s right.”