Sheriff Keith McBrayer is already looking toward his next four years in office, as he has no opposition in this year’s election, securing his bid for re-election.

This will begin McBrayer’s second term as sheriff, during which he intends to continue carrying out programs and initiatives he began during his first term.

The Sheriff’s Youth Summer Camp was an initiative started by McBrayer in 2000, something he said has been “very successful.”

The weeklong camp accepts 30 children ages 12 to 14, during which they engage in various activities while learning to make positive decisions.

“They’re not troubled kids, they’re just kids,” he said.

The aim, however, is to keep youth from getting entangled with the law.

“We’re real proud of the Sheriff’s Youth Camp,” McBrayer said.

The Flint Circuit Drug Task Force is a program he also said he’d like to continue.

The task force is the consolidation of individual task forces in Hampton, McDonough, Locust Grove, the county police and sheriff’s office, as well as the district attorney and solicitor general’s offices.

“One unit makes it smart,” McBrayer said. And more effective — streamlining communication between all of the agencies.

Streamlining is a general goal of McBrayer for his department, especially in regard to saving money during tight budget times.

For example, he has renegotiated contracts for medical and food services in the jail, saving thousands of dollars.

“I want to streamline, but still be efficient and professional,” he said.

Training for his deputies is of great importance to McBrayer, as well.

“I want to continue to get the best training we can for our deputies,” he said. “It keeps them safer and helps us on liability issues.”

He said monthly onsite training will continue on, as well as specialized training.

“I want to have the best-trained sheriff’s office in the state.”

McBrayer has been with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office for 36 years, beginning his career in the jail at 18 years old.

He was a major in field operations for 18 years when the former sheriff of 26 years retired, at which point McBrayer sought out the position.

He said the best part of the sheriff’s office is its staff.

“They are what make this department what it is,” he said. “I’m very appreciative of the employees that work here and their dedication.”