Austin Garrett
Republican · TN · Hamilton County Sheriff
Austin Garrett is Hamilton County Sheriff and the Republican nominee for reelection in 2026.
Where Austin Garrett stands, based on their records
Supports
Public Safety and Crime Control (6 records), Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties (1 record)
Opposes
Data Privacy (1 record)
Mixed record
Immigration (1 support · 1 oppose)
Track record
Track record — Immigration
Immigration · 1 support · 1 oppose
Garrett said he had declined a request to create dedicated housing for federal immigration detainees.
February 25, 2026Supports Immigration
Source: hamiltontn.gov
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, 2026Opposes Immigration
Source: hamiltontn.gov
Track record — Public Safety and Crime Control
Public Safety and Crime Control · 6 support
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, 2026Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: hamiltontn.gov
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, 2025Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: chattanoogan.com
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, 2024Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: chattanoogan.com
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, 2023Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: hamiltontn.gov
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, 2022Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: hamiltontn.gov
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, 2022Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: hamiltontn.gov
Track record — Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties
Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties · 1 support
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, 2026Supports Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties
Source: public.powerdms.com
Track record — Data Privacy
Data Privacy · 1 oppose
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, 2023Opposes Data Privacy
Source: hamiltontn.gov
Track record — General
General · 2 records
Garrett endorsed Brooke Weaver for Hamilton County Clerk.
November 4, 2025
Source: austingarrettsheriff.com
Garrett was sworn in as Hamilton County's 60th sheriff.
September 1, 2022
Source: hcsheriff.gov
Past race Austin Garrett ran in:
- Sheriff · August 6, 2026 · Hamilton County, Tennessee · incumbent