Court Operations
Our Purpose
The Georgia Constitution mandates that all county sheriffs provide security for the courthouses to protect judges, jurors, witnesses, and others who work at or visit our facilities. Henry County Sheriff’s Officers are charged with the responsibility of maintaining the integrity of the judicial process by ensuring a safe and secure environment in and around the court houses. To meet these responsibilities the Henry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Court Operations deploys trained sworn Sheriff’s deputies and civilian bailiffs who are assigned to points of entry security screening stations, courtrooms, and security details at the three facilities.
Court Operations provide security and protective services at three locations which comprise the nexus of court services in Henry County Superior Courthouse located at One Courthouse Square, McDonough Ga 30253 has jurisdiction over all felony trials, divorces, equity cases and matters regarding titles to land.
The Judicial Complex located at 44 John Frank Ward Blvd. McDonough Ga 30253, houses the State Court, Juvenile Court, Magistrate Court. State Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor and traffic violations, issue search and arrest warrants, hold preliminary hearings in criminal cases, and try civil matters not reserved exclusively for the Superior Courts. Juvenile Court handles all cases involving juveniles under 18 who are alleged to be delinquent: those who are abused or neglected, or without a parent or guardian: those considered to be children in need of services, guidance or counseling, including truants, runaways and ungovernable juveniles. Magistrate Court issues warrants, hear minor criminal offenses and civil disputes including county ordinance violations, dispossessors, landlord tenant cases, and bad checks. In criminal matters magistrate court hold preliminary hearings; issue search warrants to law enforcement and also warrants for the arrest of a particular person.
Probate Court located at 99 Sims Street McDonough Ga 30253 has jurisdiction over Estates, guardianships and Conservatorships of incapacitated Adults; Temporary Guardianship of Minors; conservatorships of Minors; involuntary commitments; Vital Records; passports; issuance of concealed weapons carry licenses; and issuance of Marriage licenses.
Our Mission
To provide a consistent safe environment for the judicial processes to be conducted; ensuring that the judges, employees and citizens who enter the Henry County courthouses feel free of peril or undue hindrance when conducting business.
Court Operations Team
Ruth Stringer, COLONEL
Court Operations Commander
Courtney Head, CAPTAIN
Assistant Court Operations Commander
Grady Alexander, Lieutenant
Operations Watch Commander
Court Operations Team
Ruth Stringer, COLONEL
Court Operations Commander
Colonel Ruth Stringer began her tenure in January 2021with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office as a Major but was quickly promoted to her current position as Colonel, Commander of Court Operations. Colonel Stringer began her law enforcement career as a Detention Officer 31 years ago. She has served as a supervisor in the Jail Division, Human Resources, Office of Professional Standards, Training Background and Recruitment and held the position of Interim Sheriff of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. Colonel Stringer has many certifications and awards to her credit. Her decorations include the Medal of Valor, the Lifesaving award, recipient of the Marine’s good conduct medal, named the Officer of the year by the DeKalb County Bar Association and received a proclamation naming October 13, 2009, as Ruth Stringer Day in DeKalb County. Colonel Stringer is a Certified Life Coach and Certified Voice Stress Examiner. She served 4 years in the United States Marine Corps. Colonel Stringer holds a Degree in Liberal Arts from Essex College, A Professional Management and Supervision Certification from Georgia Law Enforcement Command College, Threat Assessment and Management Certification from US Department of Homeland Security.
Court Operations Team
Courtney Head, CAPTAIN
Assistant Court Operations Commander
Captain Courtney Head is a native of Henry County, Georgia. Captain Head has risen through the ranks at the Henry County Sheriff’s Office starting as a Detention Officer. Captain Head has spent his entire career with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office in Jail Operations. Captain Head has served as a detention officer, Supervisor of Classification, Commander of the Jail Annex, Watch Commander, and Assistant Jail Commander. During his career, he has gained extensive training and knowledge over the years.
Court Operations Team
Grady Alexander, Lieutenant
Operations Watch Commander
Grady Alexander joined the Henry County Sheriff’s Office (HSCO) in July 1999. During his time here, he has endeavored to work throughout the HCSO learning all aspects of the job. He was reassigned to Court Operations in 2010 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2021. Grady Alexander was recently promoted to the position of Lieutenant as the Watch Commander over Court Operations. Lieutenant Alexander felt a call to public service and have been rewarded for answering that call. It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Henry County and he look forward to continuing to serve in greater capacities. Prior to working at the HCSO, he worked in construction. He is a lifelong resident of Henry County, married with 2 wonderful bonus children and their families, 3 beautiful daughters and their families, 4 grandchildren, and 2 crazy puppers. My love for Law Enforcement comes from my father and other family members who have served down through the years.