Sheriff Jay Jones began his law enforcement career with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in 1975 while he was a student at Auburn University. Since then, he has dedicated his life to protecting and serving the citizens of Lee County, AL.
Sheriff Jay Jones began his law enforcement career with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in 1975 while he was a student at Auburn University. Since then, he has dedicated his life to protecting and serving the citizens of Lee County, AL, both in his role as a Deputy Sheriff (and eventually Sheriff), as well as outside of his role in law enforcement as a member of the community that he serves.
Sheriff Jones is an active part of the Lee County community as a part of various organizations and boards such as Auburn Rotary Club and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #21 as well as on the state and federal level such as Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission and the Alabama and National Sheriffs Associations. Outside of work, he enjoys nature photography, running, and can be found around town supporting local businesses.
Sheriff Jones grew up in Montgomery, AL. After graduating from Sidney Lanier High School, he attended Auburn University, where he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration in 1976.
Working his way up
Sheriff Jones’ first position was as a Corrections Officer/Communications Officer while he was a student at Auburn University.
He later became a sworn Deputy Sheriff in the Patrol Division under the leadership of Sheriff Chapman. Over time, he worked his way through leadership positions as a Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and eventually became the Chief Investigator in charge of the Investigations Division.
He was first elected Lee County Sheriff in 1998 and is currently serving his seventh term.
He also served as an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice courses for multiple years at Auburn University as well as for over twenty years at Southern Union State Community College.
Education
Auburn University — Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration, 1976
Troy University — Masters in Administration, 1980
Professional Education / Additional Training
FBI National Academy (146th Session)
FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (58th session)
National Sheriff’s Institute (Class 00-1)
Southern Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (1999)
United States Secret Service Dignitary Protection Seminar (2003)
Community & Professional Organizations — Local, Statewide, and National
Alabama Jail Association
Alabama Peace Officers’ Association
Alabama Sheriff’s Association — served as President in 2022; 2018 Robert D. Timmons Sheriff of the Year Award
Auburn Rotary Club
FBI National Academy Associates
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #21
Law Enforcement Executive Development Association
National Sheriff’s Association
Board Positions
Lee County Emergency Communications District
Lee County Sheriff’s Foundation
Lee County Youth Development Center
Appointed Positions
Sheriff Jones has been appointed by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to serve as her appointee for the following boards and organizations:
Advisory Committee on Women in Criminal Justice
Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission
Alabama Local Government Records Commission
Alabama Peace Officers Annuity & Benefit Fund Board
Alabama Peace Officers Standards & Training Commission
US Attorney’s Office Middle District of Alabama Law Enforcement Advisory Committee