Chief Deputy Dale A. Holmes, who has lived with his family in Rockdale County since 1998 and retired as Assistant Chief of the DeKalb County Police Department in 2015 after 28 years of service, stepped up to the position of Chief Deputy for the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office in August 2017.

He began his law enforcement career with the DeKalb County Police Department in 1987 and rose through the ranks starting with street patrol to directing and leading law enforcement personnel, and eventually executive management. In 2006, Chief Deputy Holmes was promoted to Deputy Chief of the special operations division where he managed 86 sworn and 195 non-sworn personnel. Three years later he was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police (investigations, support services divisions.) in 2009 and Uniform Division Commander in 2012. Along the way, he gained valuable experience. He received the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Management and Supervisory Certifications; was assigned as Commander of the narcotics section and managed personnel in the DeKalb High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force, the Narcotics Unit, the Vice Unit, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, White Collar Fraud Unit, Permits Unit, and the DeKalb Taxi Wrecker Bureau.

He has managed fiscal responsibilities to include the Narcotics Seizure & Awarded Seizure Accounts, the Investigative Funds Accounts, and HIDTA Grant funding, as well as managed grants for the Aerial Support, Bomb, Commercial Vehicle, and Strategic Traffic Accident Reductions (S.T.A.R.) (DUI) Units. His command experiences also include being Assistant Commander of DeKalb County Homeland Security and Intelligence, Deputy Chief of the Special Operations Division, and Assistant Police Chief. Among his honors, Holmes was named DeKalb Police Detective of the Year and North DeKalb Rotary Club Detective of the Year in 1995.

Chief Deputy Holmes attended Tuskegee University, where he graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He is also a 2007 graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy, and in 2010 earned a Master of Science degree in Education from Central Michigan University.

Major Lee Thomas currently serves as the Executive Commander over the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Operation Bureau. Major Thomas was vetted through a vigorous assessment by several Executive level law enforcement officers from various neighboring law enforcement agencies. They presented Major Thomas to Sheriff Eric Levett recommending him for the position as the # 1 ranking candidate over internal and external candidates. Major Thomas’ prior assignments were as the Sheriff’s Chief of Staff overseeing the Sheriff’s Personal Staff and the Sheriff’s Administration, the Chief Deputy’s Aide-De-Camp, the Human Resources Supervisor, Public Information Officer, and Background and Recruiting. Prior to coming to Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office Major Thomas served as a Deputy Sheriff (Jailer) with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office.

Major Thomas has a long, extensive career as a nations and public servant, and is a proven leader. He served over 31 years in the United States Army, retiring with distinction and honor at the rank of Sergeant Major (the highest rank attainable by an enlisted soldier). He served our country with loyalty, dedication, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage on many assignments throughout the world and the United States and has multiple combat tours around the world.

Major Thomas is committed to supporting the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office in fulfilling the Sheriff’s vision and mission to reduce crime, safely house inmates, bring offenders to justice, and perform the mandated services of the Office of Sheriff with the highest level of safety, professionalism, and integrity.

Major Thomas is married with 4 children. He is a graduate of the prestigious United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (Class 63), Fort Bliss, Texas. He holds a Bachler Degree in Human Resources specializing in Project Management from DeVry University.

Major LeJohn D. Tate Jr. is currently the executive commander overseeing the Jail Bureau at the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO). Before his present position, he worked in the Jail Division as a Detention Deputy, Uniform Patrol Division as a Certified Deputy, HEAT Unit member, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Chief of Staff. He was promoted to the rank of Major of the Law Enforcement Bureau on November 27, 2023, and later transferred to the Jail Bureau as Major on March 14, 2025.

Major Tate is a Los Angeles, California native, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, and a mentor in the community. Major Tate moved to Atlanta, Georgia to attend college. He graduated with a bachelor’s in criminal justice. While attending college, his love for law enforcement grew. Major Tate began his law enforcement career while in college. He worked with the Georgia Department of Corrections as a correctional officer. After college graduation, Major Tate applied for the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. Major Tate's official start date with RCSO was September 11, 2017. In addition, Major Tate obtained his master’s degree in business administration with a minor in project management.

Major Tate's law enforcement career spans over nine years. He worked in the Department of Corrections, Dismas Charities (federal halfway house), and Rockdale County. Major Tate is dedicated to the success of the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. Major Tate has a love for traffic enforcement and accident reduction. This was truly displayed through the operations he introduced to the agency. He implemented a concept called “Traffic Tuesdays” to educate the motoring public on how to foster positive encounters with law enforcement during traffic stops. Through Traffic Tuesday, he has held several in-person talks within the Rockdale County Public School System to teach students safety tips on driving.

Some of Major Tate's specialized training consists of:

• Executive Protection
• Drug Recognition Expert
• Advance Roadside Impairment
• Traffic on-scene investigations
• Instructor
• Field Training Officer
• SWAT level one

Major Tate has charged himself with never becoming complacent. In making that charge, he has vowed to make Rockdale County a better place. It is his goal to fight crime, increase employee retention, cultivate innovative ideas, and highlight the importance of community-oriented policing.

Captain Jeff Peek is a highly accomplished and dedicated law enforcement professional with over two decades of experience. He began his career with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office on February 16, 2004. He quickly demonstrated his commitment to service, earning his Certified Deputy status in January 2006 from Clayton Regional Law Enforcement Academy. Captain Peek has consistently excelled throughout his tenure, progressing through the ranks with notable
achievements.

His career trajectory reflects a commitment to continuous growth and expertise. He was promoted to Investigator in February 2017, followed by advancements to Corporal in July 2017, Sergeant in October 2019, and Lieutenant in September 2023, all within the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office Uniform Patrol Division. In June of 2024, he was promoted to Captain, solidifying his leadership role within the agency.

Captain Peek’s significant milestones and accomplishments highlight his diverse skillset and unwavering dedication. He is a certified RADAR and Lidar (Laser) Operator, demonstrating his proficiency in traffic enforcement. He is also a certified Accident Reconstruction, Field Training Officer, playing a crucial role in mentoring and developing recruits. His commitment to specialized operations is further evidenced by his service as a SWAT Team Leader and a K9 guru.

With a proven track record of leadership, expertise, and dedication, Captain D. Jeff Peek is a respected and valuable asset to the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office and the community he serves.

Captain Justin Figueroa #2253 has been serving with the Sheriff’s Office for nine years. He currently holds the position of Captain of the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), where he oversees the Criminal Investigation Department, Crime Scene Department, and the Narcotics Unit. In this role, Captain Figueroa is responsible for ensuring that all policies and procedures are properly followed, managing administrative duties, assisting with investigations, and providing general oversight of the department. His key strengths include extensive supervisory experience, multiple instructor certifications across various fields, community-oriented training and engagement, and a degree in criminal justice.

Career Background:

Captain Figueroa began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 2016 as a detention deputy. He graduated from mandate in 2018 and served as a certified deputy until his promotion to investigator in 2020. Subsequently, he was promoted to Corporal overseeing Specialized Units, then to Sergeant, before advancing to his current role as Captain over CID.

Since 2019, he has been assigned to the SWAT Team and now serves as the lead operator for the Less Lethal Team. He was also a member of the Honor Guard Unit from 2019 until this year.

Education:

• Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Reinhardt University

• Training in criminal procedure, search warrants and affidavits, search and seizure

• Certified Field Training Officer (FTO)

• General Instructor Certification, Firearm Instructor, Use of Force Instructor, Basic Life Saving Instructor, and Less Lethal Certified

Achievements & Awards:

• Scholastic Award in mandate for achieving the highest GPA in his class

• Recipient of Deputy of the Year, Investigator of the Quarter, and multiple Deputy of the Quarter awards

• Successfully solved multiple cases, including a murder case that resulted in conviction

• Improved the relationship between the Sheriff’s Office and Rockdale County Public Safety Office for the schools while working in specialized units

• Developed and implemented an active shooter training program designed to prepare deputies, businesses, churches, and other establishments for active shooter situations using a curriculum he created

Community Involvement:

Captain Figueroa has contributed to community outreach through participation in events such as Toys for Tots, National Night Out, Trunk or Treat, and others. He also fostered positive relationships with Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) and citizen volunteers to enhance mutual understanding of the Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement perspectives.

Captain Ernest Strozier currently serves as the Support Services Commander for the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. He joined the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office in December of 2017 as the Captain of the Uniform Patrol Division which is the largest division in the Sheriff’s Office. Captain Strozier brings more than three decades of law enforcement experience to his role as Captain in the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. He began his career in 1985 with the College Park Police Department, where he specialized in community policing, narcotics enforcement, and Criminal investigations. Captain Strozier served 30 years with the College Park Police Department and retired as a Major over the Criminal Investigations Division and Support Services.

Captain Strozier is dedicated to service and has been excited to bring his extensive background to benefit the citizens of Rockdale County. He is proud to serve the Sheriff of Rockdale County and is committed to supporting him in fulfilling the Sheriff’s Office vision of being a leader in personnel safety, quality personnel, equipment, technology, training, professionalism, integrity, and transparency. Captain Strozier obtained his Paralegal Certification from Clayton State University, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from St. Leo University, and is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy class #228.

Captain Strozier is an active member of the FBI National Academy Associates, The Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Georgia Sheriff’s Association.

Captain Tijuana Harris is presently assigned to the Jail Division at the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) as Commander. She previously served as the Support Services Commander, Interim Uniform Patrol Commander, Jail Commander, Assistant Jail Commander, Administrative Jail Lieutenant, Shift Lieutenant, Internal Affairs Sergeant and Public Information Officer.

Captain Harris began her law enforcement career in 1998 when she joined the RCSO as a Detention Deputy. She successfully completed her Basic Peace Officer Certification at the Fulton County Public Safety Training Center in 2001. She transferred to the Rockdale County Court Services Division in 2003 and worked as Superior Court bailiff until 2005 when she left her law enforcement career and relocated to Nashville Tennessee with her family. In 2007 when Captain Harris returned to the Rockdale County community, she resumed her career with the RCSO and was assigned to the Jail Division. In 2007, she received a lateral promotion to Jail Administration as the Bond Administrator and GA Crime Information Center Terminal Agency Coordinator.

While embracing these new responsibilities she was promoted to Corporal in 2013 and Sergeant in 2017 by Sheriff Eric J. Levett. In April 2018, she was transferred to the Office of Professional Standards. This division was responsible for Recruitment, Background Investigations, Hiring, Citizen Complaints, Use of Force Investigations as well as Internal Affairs Investigations. Captain Harris held the position of the Public Information Officer where she conducted interviews with the media, reporting events and occurrences for transparent communication with the public. In December 2018, she was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and transferred to the Jail Division as Shift Commander. This role involved managing day to day jail operations with more than twenty subordinates and an inmate population of over 400. Captain Harris embraced this responsibility and received a promotion as Jail Administrative Lieutenant in 2020. Captain Harris was responsible for the implementation of the RCSO COVID-19 Jail Division Management Plan and was promoted to the rank of Captain August 2020.

Captain Harris has earned certifications for Jail Officer, Intermediate Peace Officer, Managerial, Supervisory, and General Instructor through the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (GA P.O.S.T.). Other certifications include Professional Management Program through Columbus State University where she also majored in Criminal Justice and earned her Bachelor of Science degree. Captain Harris is passionate about all people, law enforcement, and the vision and mission of the RCSO. During her tenure, Captain Harris has enjoyed spending quality time at numerous community events and has served as a member of the Rockdale County Juvenile Court Mentoring Program as well as the RCSO Mentoring Program.

Captain Lynn is a lifelong resident of Rockdale County, Georgia, where he was raised as the third youngest of four brothers. He attended Barksdale Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, and graduated from Salem High School in 1999 with a college preparatory diploma. Deeply connected to his community and guided by his faith, Captain Lynn is an active member of Prospect at Oak Hill.

Captain Lynn began his career with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office on August 8, 2000. Over more than two decades of distinguished service, he has steadily risen through the ranks—Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant—and was promoted to Captain over Jail Operations on March 15, 2025.

As Captain, he oversees the goals and objectives of the Jail Operations Bureau, ensuring efficient daily operations, strategic long-term planning, and strong collaboration with other bureaus, jurisdictions, residents, and partner agencies. His leadership responsibilities include developing and reviewing agency policies, directing operational decision-making, and supervising the training, counseling, and professional development of bureau staff.

Captain Lynn’s key areas of responsibility include:

• - Managing the daily operations of the detention center, including inmate booking and release, post inspections, log reviews, and facility security oversight
• - Preparing shift schedules, approving leave and training requests, conducting employee evaluations, and reviewing time records
• - Assisting in the development and management of the bureau’s annual budget, assessing personnel and facility needs, and authorizing expenditures
• - Monitoring internal communications and incident responses, taking command when necessary, and contributing to strategic planning and project execution
• - Leading the creation and distribution of operational reports, analyzing trends, addressing citizen concerns, appearing in court proceedings as needed, and managing equipment and inventory
• - Overseeing the implementation of training initiatives to maintain and enhance operational excellence

Throughout his tenure, Captain Lynn has made significant contributions to the agency, including:

• - Leading the Transition Team for the new jail renovation (2008)
• - Managing Key Control for the newly constructed jail facility (2013)
• - Overseeing critical renovations and system upgrades of the original jail tower (2015)
• - Serving on the disciplinary panel for the RSAT (Residential Substance Abuse Treatment) program (2015)
• - Receiving the Supervisor of the Year Award (2009) and a commendation from Chief Cordero for his leadership during the jail’s expansion and transition

Captain Lynn holds multiple professional certifications, including his Jailer Certification (2000), Peace Officer Certification (2004), and Field Training Officer (FTO) Certification (2006). He also completed the 400-hour Professional Management Program in 2006. Committed to continuous professional development, he is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of operational excellence and public service.

Outside of his official duties, Captain Lynn enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, pursuing hobbies such as hunting, fishing, blacksmithing, camping, and playing the acoustic and bass guitar as well as piano. He and his wife, Kristy—his partner of 20 years—are proud parents to their two sons, David and Austin.

Captain Lynn remains honored to serve the citizens of Rockdale County with unwavering integrity, dedication, and leadership.

Captain Dexter Harris is currently assigned to the Jail Division at the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO). He began his journey with the RCSO in July 1995 as a detention officer in the jail, where he served for four years. In October 1998, he graduated from the Clayton County Law Enforcement Academy and was reassigned to the Uniform and Patrol Division. In 2000, he joined the S.W.A.T. team and served for four years. In 2005, he transitioned to the Criminal Investigation Division, where he spent eight years. Captain D. Harris' commitment and competence were recognized when he was promoted to Corporal in 2013, while still serving in the Criminal Investigation Division. In 2014, he was promoted to sergeant and transferred to the Warrants and Civil Division. In September 2015, he received the rank of Lieutenant and was assigned to the Community Police Division as the Watch commander. His responsibilities included organizing community events, neighborhood watches, and participating in community panels. In 2016, he was reassigned to the Uniform and Patrol Division as a Watch Commander. In 2018, he was transferred to the Office of Professional Standards as a lieutenant in charge of hiring and background checks, Internal Affairs, Accreditation, Policy and Procedures, and Human Resources. In 2019, he became the Commander at the Courthouse. In 2022, he was reassigned to Warrants and Civil as the assistant Commander. In 2024, he was promoted to Captain and assigned to the Jail Division.

Captain D. Harris served eight years in the United States Army from July 1987 to July 1995. He was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990 and served in the Gulf War from September 1990 until June 1991.

• EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS
• A.S. (associate in law enforcement) Thomas University, 2017
• Columbus State University-PMP Certificate
• Post Management Certification, 2011

WORK HISTORY AND AWARDS:

• Gulf War Veteran-1990-1991
• 1995-Detention Deputy (Jail)
• 1999-Patrol Deputy (Uniform Patrol Division)
• 2000-2002 S.W.A.T team member
• 2001-Uniform Patrol Deputy of the Year
• 2002-Field Training Officer Certification (Clayton County Law Enforcement Academy)
• 2003-2005- assigned to the Lakeview Precinct (C.O.P.S)
• 2003-First Responder certification
• 2005-Promoted to the Criminal Investigation Division
• 2008-2010-S.W.A.T. Team member
• 2009-Dekalb County S.W.A.T. school graduate
• 2009-Homicide Investigation (G.P.S.T.C) Forsyth, GA
• 2010-Criminal Investigator of the Year
• 2013-Promoted to the rank of Corporal in the Criminal Investigation Division
• 2014-Promoted to the rank of Sergeant (Warrants and Civil)
• 2015-Appointed to the rank of Lieutenant
• C.O.P.S
• Uniform Patrol
• Office of Professional Standards
• Courthouse
• Warrants Civil Division
• 2015 Intermediate Certification
• 2015-Supervisory Certification
• 2017-Management Certification
• 2024-Promoted to the Rank of Captain

Lieutenant Tasha Forte currently serves as the Commander of the Office of Professional Standards (OPS)/Internal Affairs at the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office (RCSO). She has been a part of the law enforcement community since 2011, starting her career with the Atlanta Police Department. During her time with the Atlanta Police Department, she spent four years as a Uniform Patrol and School Resource Officer.

In May 2015, Lieutenant Forte began her career with RCSO as a School Resource Officer. In January 2019, she was promoted to Investigator and assigned to OPS/Background and Recruiting. In July 2021, Lieutenant Forte was transferred to the Traffic Unit and promoted to Corporal. In September 2022, she was assigned to the Uniform Patrol and promoted to Sergeant.

In January 2024, Lieutenant Forte was promoted to her current rank of Lieutenant and tasked with serving as the Commander of OPS/Internal Affairs.

Lieutenant Forte has received specialized training in various areas including Certified Voice Stress Analyst (CVSA), Supervisory Certificate, Radar and Lidar Certification, Intermediate Certificate, Hostage Negotiator, Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), Law Enforcement Phlebotomist, Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT), and School Resource Officer.