\Marsy’s Law for Georgia, a leading victims’ rights advocacy group, presented Sheriff Reginald Scandrett with a Champion Award to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). This year, the weeklong campaign falls on April 19-25 with the theme, “Listen. Act. Advocate. – Protect victims, serve communities.” As a law enforcement official, Sheriff Scandrett abides by these principles every day. Sheriff Scandrett is the first Black Sheriff elected to Henry County, Georgia, succeeding Sheriff Keith McBrayer.
A law enforcement professional since 1990, Sheriff Scandrett has held positions as a detention officer, Chief Deputy, and now Sheriff, and is certified in Basic Law Enforcement, Jail Management and Supervision, and Specialized Tactical and Operational Disciplines. His mission is to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the citizens of Henry County through engagement and community-focused initiatives. This recognition reflects the Henry County Sheriff’s Office’s Top 6 priorities, which emphasize community engagement, collaboration, and restorative justice. These principles guide the agency’s approach to supporting victims, strengthening trust, and improving outcomes across the criminal justice process.
“Recognizing Sheriff Scandrett for his work is an honor,” said Dr. Rita Davis-Cannon, Marsy’s Law for Georgia advisory board member and Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia victim services director. “His forward-thinking approach and leadership skills have strengthened the Sheriff’s Office and forged confidence within the community. By standing up for victims, he sets an example to all law enforcement officers.”
Representing Marsy’s Law for Georgia were advisory board members Dr. Davis Cannon, Melvin Hewitt, of Isenberg & Hewitt, and Kristy Carter, victim services director of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Georgia State Senator Emanuel Jones, House Representatives Noelle Kahaian and Mary Ann Santos, McDonough Mayor Kamali Varner, and Commissioners Neat Robinson and Carlotta Harrell were also in attendance.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an annual campaign that serves to educate the public and challenges individuals and organizations to confront and remove barriers to achieve justice for all victims of crime. By recognizing the accomplishments of victims’ rights supporters, Marsy’s Law for Georgia promotes community-wide safety and support and elevates the actions and voices of those who have all victims’ best interests at heart.
“Receiving the Marsy’s Law for Georgia Champion Award is an incredible honor,” said Sheriff Scandrett. “Our responsibility does not end with an arrest or a conviction. For victims, the process continues, and it is our duty to ensure they are informed, protected, and supported every step of the way.”
Earlier this month, Marsy’s Law for Georgia recognized the Georgia Office of Victim Services Director Keir Chapple. Past recipients of the Marsy’s Law Champion Award include U.S. Sen. John Lewis, U.S. Sen. Reverend Raphael Warnock, Rep. Lucy McBath, Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady, former Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, and Georgia’s First Lady Marty Kemp. Additional recipients will be announced throughout the year. To nominate a crime victims’ advocate for consideration, please contact Frances Chang at fchang@c21pr.com.
Download additional photos from the event here.