April 2024

A MOMENT WITH

UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH’S IMPACT ON LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COMMUNITIES

As your Sheriff, it’s my duty to tackle one of the biggest issues facing our community and many others across Georgia and the country: ensuring everyone’s safety and well-being. This message is about a serious issue affecting many people and our society: mental illness. We need to pay attention, understand, and take action to ensure everyone in Newton County is safe and well.

Mental illness covers many conditions that affect a person’s thoughts, feelings, behavior, or mood. These conditions can be mild or severe and can affect anyone, no matter their age, gender, race, or economic status. Examples include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.

The causes of mental illness are complex and varied. They can be due to genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Trauma, stress, substance abuse, and social isolation can all contribute to mental health issues. It’s important to understand that mental illness is not a sign of personal weakness but a medical condition that needs understanding, support, and treatment.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about 1 in 5 adults experience mental health problems each year. Anyone can develop a mental health disorder, but some risk factors include social and economic pressures, such as job stress, lack of education, and family history of mental disorders.

Anxiety is the most common mental disorder in the United States, affecting around 40 million adults (18.1% of the population). Although anxiety disorders are treatable, only 36.9% of those affected receive treatment. Anxiety disorders include general anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorders, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mood disorders like major depression, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder are also common. Many people with one mental disorder often have others, such as anxiety and depression.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that

57.8 million adults have some form of mental illness. The severity can vary greatly from person to person.

In Georgia, there are both improvements and ongoing challenges. From 2022 to 2023, Georgia showed significant growth with a 1.50% increase. However, in 2023, about 29.45% of adults dealt with mental health issues. This is significant considering the lack of mental health care professionals in many areas. As of 2021, over four million Georgians lived in places with inadequate mental health services, highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve mental health care statewide.

The link between mental illness and crime is a major concern. Studies show that people with untreated mental illness are more likely to get involved in criminal behavior due to untreated symptoms, substance abuse, or lack of access to mental health care. Addressing mental illness is crucial for both public health and crime prevention.

Untreated mental illness often leads to many people with mental health issues ending up in detention centers, where their needs may not be met. Without proper treatment and support, they may repeatedly end up in the criminal justice system, worsening their mental health.

In Georgia, detention centers, including our own Newton County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, have become makeshift mental health facilities, putting a strain on our resources and distracting from our main job: protecting and serving the community.

This issue also affects law enforcement officers, who are often called to respond to mental health crises without sufficient training or support. This puts them at risk and creates a cycle of trauma and repeat offenses for those with mental illness. It’s important to give officers the training and support they need to handle these situations effectively and safely.

To address this issue, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office is taking several steps:

SHERIFF BROWN

1. Training and Education: We are providing ongoing training to our deputies on crisis intervention, de-escalation, and mental health awareness to better handle crises.

2. Collaboration with Mental Health Professionals: We are strengthening partnerships with mental health professionals and organizations to improve access to services and support for those in need.

3. Diversion Programs: We are implementing programs to divert people with mental illness away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate treatment and support services.

4. Crisis Response Teams: We are creating specialized teams of mental health professionals and deputies to respond to mental health crises with compassion and coordination.

5. Support for Inmates: We are providing men tal health screenings, assessments, and treatments in our detention center and connecting released

individuals with community-based services to help them reintegrate into society.

By working together and using these strategies, we can make real progress in addressing mental illness and improving the safety and well-being of everyone in Newton County.

In closing, addressing mental illness requires all of us to work together. We need to break down stigmas, increase access to care, and create a supportive environment for those with mental health disorders. As your Sheriff, I am committed to this work and invite you to join me in making Newton County safer and healthier for future generations.

Sheriff Ezell Brown

Newton County, Georgia

about the agency

The goal of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office is “to be recognized as the kind of professional organization that values, respects, and honors the rights and dignity of the entire community. Through an abundance of collaborative efforts, the NCSO is committed to improving life in every aspect for its citizens, businesses, schools, colleges/universities and visitors.”

The Newton County Sheriff's Office is located at 15151 Alcovy Road in Covington, Georgia. From I-20, take Exit 92 onto Alcovy Road and travel north on Alcovy Road for approximately one mile and cross over Highway 142. The Sheriff's Office will be on the left.

The administrative office hours for the Newton County Sheriff's Office are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays.

The Newton County Jail is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

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SHERIFF EZELL BROWN’S LAW ENFORCEMENT LEGACY HONORED WITH PROCLAMATION SIGNED BY GEORGIA GOVERNOR BRIAN KEMP

Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown’s law enforcement legacy, spanning more than 50 years, was honored with a commendation signed by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp during the 12th Annual NCSO Awards Ceremony at the Newton College and Career Academy on April 12, 2024.

The family of Sheriff Brown took to the stage during the award ceremony to announce the presentation of Gov. Kemp’s commendation, reading it out loud to all those in the audience. At the time, Sheriff Brown did not know he was receiving this commendation, and it took him by surprise. However, he was humbled and was grateful for those who shared in the moment with him.

The Governor’s commendation read as follows: Sheriff Brown, a native of Blakely, Georgia was elected the first African American Sheriff of Newton County, Georgia, on November 4, 2008; and

Sheriff Ezell Brown began his career in law enforcement in 1973 with the Covington Police Department and joined the Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) in 1977. He acquired his dual certification in law enforcement and arson investigation through Georgia Peace Officers and Firefighters Standards Training Councils, making him the first certified Arsons Investigator within the agency. He has also been credited for creating Georgia's first sex offender residential mapping system; and Sheriff Ezell Brown was appointed to the State of Geor-

gia Sex Offender Risk Review Board in 2019 by Governor Brian Kemp. He formally sat on the board of the Georgia Probation Subcommittee for the Council of Criminal Justice Reform, and he currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Newton County Salvation Army and as an Executive Board Member for Georgia Piedmont Technical College; and

Sheriff Ezell Brown's term with the Newton County Sheriffs’ Office has produced state and national accreditations from NCCHC, ACA, and CALEA, making NCSO a Triple Crown Agency - one of only four in the state of Georgia and fifty-three in the United States to acquire tins esteemed level of certification; and

Sheriff Ezell Brown currently serves as the 2023-2024 President of the Georgia Sheriffs Association; now I, Brian P. Kemp, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby commend Sheriff Ezell Brown In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed this 12th day of April in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Four.

In addition to the Governor’s commendation, Sheriff Brown was also recognized by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office for his 45 years of dedicated service to the Newton County community. He was presented with a custom-made anniversary award.

NCSO HOSTS 12TH ANNUAL EMPLOYEE AWARDS CEREMONY

On April 12, 2024, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office hosted its 12th Annual Employee Awards Ceremony. The event, held at the Newton College and Career Academy’s Porter Auditorium, was a notable success with more than 100 individuals in attendance to honor the service and dedication of the men and women of the NCSO.

The ceremony commenced with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem performed by the Alcovy High School Chorus, accompanied by the presentation of colors by the NCSO Honor Guard. Their tribute set the tone for an evening dedicated to recognizing the outstanding contributions of the men and women who continuously dedicate their lives to serve and protect their Newton County community.

A highlight of the evening was two special pre-recorded video messages from notable Georgia public figures — Governor Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, and Representative Hank Johnson — all of whom conveyed their heartfelt gratitude and unwavering support for the men and women of the NCSO. Their messages emphasized the important role law enforcement holds in preserving peace and ensuring the safety of Georgia’s citizens.

“While you have faced and overcome unprecedented challenges in recent years, know that your State has your back, and we will always proudly support our law enforcement,” said Governor Kemp. “Congratulations on all of tonight’s honorees, and thank you again for your service.”

Additionally, the ceremony featured an inspiring speech by another notable Georgia public figure and Newton County native, Representative Tim Fleming. He spoke on the law enforcement profession as a whole and how he has seen first-hand the importance of providing law enforce-

ment the tools needed to effectively and proficiently do their job.

“Thank you for what you do for our community and for the sacrifices that you and your families make to keep Newton County safe,” said Representative Fleming. “In today’s society, you are not told that enough — how much you are appreciated. You put your life on the line every day, so my family and every other family in the community can go about their daily life feeling safe and sleeping comfortably at night.”

The NCSO held a moment of silence to honor and recognize the following individuals of the NCSO who have passed on: Sheriff Joe Nichols, Sheriff Henry Odum Sr, Sheriff Thomas M. Bates, Sheriff John L. Berry, Sheriff Grady Benton, Sheriff C.L. Butler, Sheriff Sam M. Hay, Sheriff B.L. Johnson, Sheriff Henry Anderson, Bennie Long, Benjamin Kennedy, Jack Simpson, Jai Curry, David Jones, Yvonne McMullen, Raydene Thomason and Kerry Maduro. Justin White, the first Newton County deputy killed in the line of duty, was also honored and recognized. His end of watch was in 2016.

Sheriff Brown closed the program by acknowledging his sister, retired Albany Police Department Chief Wilma Griffin, who he considers his “Shero.” He went on to commend her for all the gender barriers she broke over the course of her career and how she inspired him to be who he is today.

“As we approach a new year, it is my commitment to continue to always put this community first,” said Sheriff Brown. “I will continue to carry out the fundamental duties to which I’ve been called to do, and that is to serve and protect each and every last one of you.”

For more information about the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and its ongoing commitment to public safety,

The 12th Annual Awards for years of service were presented as follows:

Those celebrating one year of service were Nikitha Aynsley, Macharia Belgrave, Ayanna Brown, Yolanda Brown, Murphy Chapman, Quintarious Cooper, Valdis Culver, Alannah Elliott, Joseph Evans, Luc Eyma, Shanta Garrett, John Hood, Mia Johnson, Diana Luong, Amdna Mcgiboney, Lashine Mckay, Paulette Mcleod, Devan Moore, Elizebeth Myers, Martel Robinson, Aleshia Taylor, Dwayne Turner and Michelle Wise.

Those celebrating five years of service were Crystal Albright, Shawn Banks, Karen Kenney, Peter Douglas, Ashton Elder, Teneka Hurt, Amanda McGiboney, Latonya Strouble, Victoria Smith, Corporal Kevin Wilkerson, and Dustin Wooten.

Those celebrating 10 years of service were Alison Grimaldi, Tracy Gunraj, Jonathan Hicks, Corporal Donna McNeish, Tremelle Riley, Investigator Mark Sanzo, and Investigator Deighton Waithe.

Those celebrating 15 years of service were Corporal Wesley Dickerson, Sergeant Novel Ellis, Thomas Gladden, Samuel Johnson, Stacey Malcom, Sergeant Wesley Ramsey, and Daniel Underwood.

Those celebrating 20 years of service were Amesia Carter, Brandon Esque, Donella Freeman, Susan Grey, Lieutenant Tony Howard, Sergeant Felicia Jefferson, Gilbert Jefferson, Vincent Loveless, Sergeant Brent Morrison, Sergeant Danny Peppers, James Stevens, Rena Swann, and Sandy Williams.

Lastly, those celebrating 25 years of service were George Gardner, David Kollar, and Jennifer Williams.

The 12th Annual Award recipients for Division Deputy of the Year (DDTY) awards in addition to Rookie of the Year, Employee of the Year, Deputy of the Year, Humanitarian Award, Meritorious Service Award, Medal of Honor, Purple Heart Award, Outstanding Community Contribution, and Retirement Recognition were as follows:

DDTY Uniform Patrol Division: Corporal Wesley Dickerson

DDTY Detention Division: Windell Darrington

DDTY Office of Professional Standards: Investigator Jamie Green

DDTY Criminal Investigations Division: Investigator Joshua Hicks

DDTY Special Investigations Division: Corporal David Gilbert

DDTY Administrative Division: Crystal Albright

Rookie of the Year: Shanta Garrett

Employee of the Year: Brian Taylor

Deputy of the Year: Corporal David Gilbert

Humanitarian Award: Investigator Veronica Williams

Meritorious Service Award: Joseph McClarin and Desmond Jackson

Medal of Honor: Sergeant Timothy Dickerson

Purple Heart Award: Troy Mason

Outstanding Community Contribution: Kimberly Cox, Michael Gregg, Investigator Veronica Williams, and Sergeant Jack Redlinger

Retirement Recognition: Christopher Allen, James Bell, Corporal David Gilbert, Captain Doug Kitchens, Dana Maddox, and Corporal Steve Walden

SHERIFF BROWN RECOGNIZED AT ATLANTA HAWKS GAME

In April, Sheriff Ezell Brown, Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens, and Clayton County Sheriff Levon Allen were recognized during the Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat basketball game at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA. The recognition highlighted their roles as Georgia sheriffs and their dedication to serving and protecting their communities.

SHERIFF BROWN SWEARS IN 12 NEWLY-HIRED EMPLOYEES

In April, Sheriff Ezell Brown administered the Oath of Office to twelve newly-hired employees during a ceremony held inside the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Training Room.

NCSO H.E.A.T. AND SWAT UNITS PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL CAREER DAY

The Newton County Sheriff's Office Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (H.E.A.T.) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Units participated in Career Day at Oak Hill Elementary on April 17, 2024. It was an opportunity for deputies to educate the younger generation of leaders about the law enforcement profession!

C.H.A.M.P.S. PROGRAM GRADUATES MORE

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office C.H.A.M.P.S. instructors — Deputies Tim Smith, Michael Gregg and Kimberly Cox — graduated more than 250 students from the agency’s Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (C.H.A.M.P.S.) program during multiple in-person graduations held at Newton County elementary schools during the months of March and April.

The C.H.A.M.P.S.’s graduations were held in the following Newton County Elementary Schools: Mansfield, Live Oak, and West Newton. The C.H.A.M.P.S. program is taught to every fifth grader in the Newton County School System with subject matters to include: Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Abuse Prevention; Gangs and Violence; Peer Pressure/Bullying; Internet Safety; Methamphetamine; and Cocaine.

The C.H.A.M.P.S. instructors, who are certified to teach by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, tailor the lesson plans based on each of the school’s needs. It is the goal of the instructors to teach the students what they need to be successful in the future and how to avoid the obstacles they will face along the way. Additionally, Sheriff Brown always challenges the C.H.A.M.P.S. students to be NBA Stars — Never Be Arrested.

Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office acknowledge Newton County School System Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, III; the Newton County Board of Education; and the principals, teachers and school staff at each of the Newton County Elementary Schools for their part in making the C.H.A.M.P.S. program a success.

THAN 250 STUDENTS

NCSO PARTICIPATES IN ANNUAL COMMUNITY ON OUR KNEES EVENT

On April 28, 2024, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff's Office joined the Prayer on the Square event, organized by Community On Our Knees, in Covington, GA. This gathering united the Newton County community in prayer for families, schools, educators, children, first responders, the community, county, state, national leaders, and churches.

Sheriff Brown expresses his gratitude to the Covington First United Methodist Church for their role in fostering community unity through this impactful event. He also expresses his gratitude to all who attended the event, showing their support.

NCSO TAKES PART IN THE NATIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK INITIATIVE

On Saturday, April 27th, Newton County Sheriff's Office deputies were present at the Kroger on Salem Road for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative provided community members the opportunity to safely dispose of potentially dangerous prescription medications.

NCSO HOSTS FBI-LEEDA COMMAND LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE TRAINING

From April 8-12, 2024, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office hosted the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA) Command Leadership Institute training. This innovative four-and-a-half-day program is designed to prepare law enforcement leaders for command-level positions. The Command Leadership Institute focuses on providing real-life, contemporary, best-practice strategies and techniques for those aspiring to command-level assignments.

WELCOME Newly Hired Employees

Rapheal Asberry Deputy Sheriff, Recruit

Donovan Bostic Deputy Sheriff, Recruit

Sydni Hamp Deputy Sheriff, Recruit

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office welcome you!

Nicole Jennings Detention Officer

Melvicia McClain Detention Officer

Lissa Vilma Detention Officer