DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
Chief Deputy Temetris Atkins
Chief Deputy, DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
Chief Deputy Temetris Atkins serves as the highest-ranking non-elected sworn law enforcement officer within the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office. He oversees agency-wide law enforcement operations, including Jail Operations, Court Operations, and Field Operations, while helping lead one of Georgia's largest Sheriff's Offices.
Leadership & Service
Chief Deputy Atkins is responsible for all law enforcement operations of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, including oversight of the DeKalb County Jail, Georgia's largest adult pre-trial detention facility. The 3,800-bed facility houses approximately 2,200 inmates daily and processes more than 40,000 detainees annually.
As Chief Deputy, he directs and manages the command staffs responsible for Jail Operations, Field Operations, and Court Operations while supporting the Sheriff's mission of public safety, accountability, and service.
Chief Deputy Atkins joined the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office in November 2022 following a distinguished 34-year law enforcement career that began with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office and continued through decades of leadership service with the Cobb County Sheriff's Office.
Professional Career
Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Began a law enforcement career as a deputy sheriff, establishing the foundation for decades of public safety service and leadership.
Cobb County Sheriff's Office
Joined the Cobb County Sheriff's Office in 1990 and rose through the ranks to become Colonel of the Adult Detention Division, serving in courts operations, detention leadership, field operations, and undercover narcotics investigations.
Special Operations
Served as a Hostage Negotiator on the Cobb County SWAT Team and became a P.O.S.T. Certified Instructor.
Historic Achievement
Became the first African American officer promoted to a supervisory position within the Cobb County Sheriff's Office.
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
Joined the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office in 2022 and currently serves as Chief Deputy overseeing all major operational divisions.
Education
- East Atlanta High School Graduate
- Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice
- University of West Georgia
- Carl Vinson Executive Management Program (EXCEL) Graduate
Professional Credentials
- P.O.S.T. Certified Law Enforcement Officer
- P.O.S.T. Certified Instructor
- Hostage Negotiator
- Executive Law Enforcement Leader
Community Involvement
- Youth AAU Basketball Coach
- Georgia Exclusive Basketball Club
- Life-long DeKalb County Resident
- Member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
Personal Commitment
Throughout his career, Chief Deputy Atkins has demonstrated a strong commitment to servant leadership, professional development, and mentoring future generations. His dedication to public safety extends beyond law enforcement operations into community engagement and youth development programs.
Chief Deputy Atkins and his wife, Kimberly Atkins, are the proud parents of three children and remain actively engaged in community and faith-based activities throughout the metropolitan Atlanta area.
“Strong leadership, accountability, and service are the foundation of public trust and effective law enforcement.”