Austin Garrett
Republican · TN · Hamilton County Sheriff
Austin Garrett is Hamilton County Sheriff and the Republican nominee for reelection in 2026.
Track record
Immigration
· 2 records
Garrett said he had declined a request to create dedicated housing for federal immigration detainees.
February 25, 2026For
Source: hamiltontn.gov · researched July 25, 2026
Garrett confirmed the Sheriff's Office's participation in ICE's 287(g) jail-enforcement model, which completes federal documentation for people already held on state charges.
February 25, 2026Against
Source: hamiltontn.gov · researched July 25, 2026
Public Safety and Crime Control
· 6 records
Garrett confirmed the Sheriff's Office's participation in ICE's 287(g) jail-enforcement model, which completes federal documentation for people already held on state charges.
February 25, 2026For
Source: hamiltontn.gov · researched July 25, 2026
Garrett used existing budgeted funds to raise starting salaries to $62,000 for patrol deputies and $54,000 for corrections deputies, effective August 20, 2025.
August 15, 2025For
Source: chattanoogan.com · researched July 25, 2026
Garrett unveiled the Sheriff's Office's first D.A.R.E. vehicle in more than two decades after reestablishing the program in fall 2022; five certified instructors were teaching in five schools.
November 21, 2024For
Source: chattanoogan.com · researched July 25, 2026
Garrett advocated for a $1.18 million license-plate-reader system before the County Commission, saying the cameras mitigate crime, retain data for 90 days, and do not invade privacy; the purchase resolution passed.
November 15, 2023For
Source: hamiltontn.gov · researched July 25, 2026
Garrett froze unfilled Sheriff's Office positions and redirected $3.2 million to 16% raises for uniformed officers, increasing starting pay to $50,000 for correctional officers and $51,500 for patrol deputies.
September 28, 2022For
Source: hamiltontn.gov · researched July 25, 2026
Garrett spoke before the County Commission about authorization to accept a $262,500 federal port-security grant, with an $87,500 county match, for a new Sheriff's Office boat.
September 28, 2022For
Source: hamiltontn.gov · researched July 25, 2026
Data Privacy
· 1 record
Garrett advocated for a $1.18 million license-plate-reader system before the County Commission, saying the cameras mitigate crime, retain data for 90 days, and do not invade privacy; the purchase resolution passed.
November 15, 2023Against
Source: hamiltontn.gov · researched July 25, 2026
Civil Rights
· 1 record
Garrett approved a revised jail policy providing inmates reasonable and equitable telephone access, including an intake call and later calls to personal contacts and bonding companies.
March 17, 2026For
Source: public.powerdms.com · researched July 25, 2026
General
· 3 records
Garrett endorsed Brooke Weaver for Hamilton County Clerk.
November 4, 2025
Source: austingarrettsheriff.com · researched July 25, 2026
Garrett appointed Spencer Daniels as Hamilton County Sheriff's Office chief deputy.
June 26, 2024
Source: hcsheriff.gov · researched July 25, 2026
Garrett was sworn in as Hamilton County's 60th sheriff.
September 1, 2022
Source: hcsheriff.gov · researched July 25, 2026
Elections
- Sheriff · August 6, 2026 · Hamilton County, Tennessee · incumbent
Profile last researched July 25, 2026.