We all hear the sirens, see the flashing lights pass by our house, and wonder what has happened for law enforcement to have to be called. Once the patrol officers have arrived and ask preliminary questions, it is then time for the criminal investigators to take over and gather information that could mean the difference between a guilty person getting off or being convicted of their crime. These highly trained individuals must often ask the hard questions so the truth is revealed. In this week’s Behind the Badge, The Chronicle spoke with Ashley Riner about his career as a law enforcement officer.
Detective Sergeant Ashley Riner graduated from Swainsboro High School in 1980. He received an associate degree from East Georgia State College and attended the Medical College of Georgia, where he received his paramedic certification that allowed him to take the state boards.
Sergeant Riner has been a law enforcement officer for 32 years. His work history with law enforcement includes Comer Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office, and currently serves with Swainsboro Police Department. He has been a criminal investigator for 27 years.
When asked why he decided to become a LEO, Riner stated, “I was a paramedic right out of high school and got into law enforcement later. I always enjoyed the adrenaline rush I got from the excitement and then seeing that what I did helped someone in their time of need.”
His favorite part of the job is investigating and solving crimes, and he states it is an honor to wear the badge every day.
His main support system is his wife. Riner says that his wife is ready for him to retire. She is okay with the investigator aspect of the job but is always concerned with his special response team (SWAT) duties.
All LEOs have hobbies that allow them to unwind, and his favorite activities when not working are hunting, fishing, playing music, and golf.
Riner feels the biggest change over the years is the lack of respect toward law enforcement.
In his current job, the biggest issues he has to deal with is gang violence, meth addiction, drug addiction, and the lack of cooperation from victims.
The Crossroads Chronicle thanks Detective Riner for his time and prays for his as well as all of our law enforcement officers’ safety as they answer the call everyday.