August 2022

NCSO AUGUST 2022 newsletter

A MOMENT WITH A CARING COMMUNITY: THE FOUNDATION TO JUBILATION In this message, I want to talk about a very interesting activity that occurs in the month of August that is dear to my heart, and that is “National Night Out.” For those of you who might be unfamiliar with this historical and vital activity, please allow me to educate you with respect to same.

National Night Out is a community-police awareness-raising occurrence, held annually on the first Tuesday of August, that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood fellowship.

National Night Out was developed as a crime prevention program that emphasizes partnership-building between the police and the community. Community involvement in crime prevention is created through a multitude of local events, such as block parties, cookouts, parades, contests, youth activities, and seminars.

National Night Out is designed to increase crime and drug prevention awareness, generate participation in local anticrime programs, and convey a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back against crime.

National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, while producing a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to unite police and neighbors.

The event has been held annually since 1984, and is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch in the United States. National Night Out began simply with neighbors turning on their porch lights and sitting in front of their homes. The first National Night Out involved 2.5 million residents across 400 communities in 23 states; National Night Out 2016 involved 38 million residents in 16,000 communities across the United States.

National Night Out expanded to become a celebration beyond front porch vigils and symbolic efforts amongst neighbors, in order to convey a message of neighborhood fellowship. Neighborhoods across the nation began to host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth activities, emergency personnel outings, exhibits and more.

My thought process with respect to National Night Out, mirrors the words of former United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, who said, “The best way to build a safer community is to know your neighbors and your

surroundings. National Night Out triumphs over a culture that isolates us from each other and allows us to rediscover our own communities.”

National Night Out activities can be gratifying and beneficial. Anyone can host a party, and in my opinion, everyone probably should! Therefore, I want to take this opportunity to offer ten outstanding reasons to host a National Night Out gathering: • To enjoy a fun night • To meet your neighbors. It is critically important to know who resides in your neighborhood; therefore, this approach allows you to easily identify strangers and suspicious persons. On the other hand, it is also an outstanding method for attaining new friends • To increase the awareness of belonging in your neighborhood • To establish connections within the community.

When you meet people, you may procure a babysit ting co-op, discover new family friends, learn a new hobby, and more • To discover your neighbor’s obscured talents, such as dancing, music, etc.

• To provide and/or share crime prevention and safety information with your neighbors • To discover your neighborhood’s history • To enhance and strengthen police-community partnerships • To network among your neighbors • To potentially organize a neighborhood watch group At a youthful age, growing up in a relatively small Georgia community, I vividly recall my parents explaining and teaching us the importance of knowing who our neighbors are. My mother and father knew practically everyone in the community and formed a bond with them. They instilled those community values in me and brothers and sisters, and as a result of this vital education, it has played a significant role in my life, both as a father and currently, as the Sheriff of Newton County, Georgia.

Note: A 2010 Pew Research Center survey, found that many American adults, (57%), knew only some or none of their neighbors by name. This number has not improved very much since then.

Slightly less than half of American adults (48%) say

SHERIFF BROWN they trust some or none of their neighbors, according to a 2015 Pew Research Center survey.

In 2018, only about half of Americans who know at least some of their neighbors have face-to-face conversations with them on a weekly basis.

13% of people that took the 2018 survey said they did not know any of their neighbors.

It is obvious that we perceive interacting with strangers as worse than it actually is, and our natural insecurities prevent us from initiating conversations in the elevator or on the bus; a phenomenon called pluralistic ignorance. In actuality, however, there are numerous benefits to connecting with the people around us. Please note the following benefits: You will be healthier, especially physically.

Social connection is often linked to mental health, but its effect on physical health is even more astounding. Of 148 studies (308,849 participants) in 2010, individuals with stronger social relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival. In 2011, people who perceived their neighbors as trustworthy were more likely to report higher rates of health and well-being than those who said they did not know or trust their neighbors, according to a study conducted by sociologist Eileen E.S. Bjornstrom at the University of Missouri.

A more recent 2014 study by the University of Michigan, found that close community ties reduced heart attack risk for people over the age of 50. I urge you to love thy neighbor; your heart will thank you for it.

You will feel less lonely.

Although digital connectivity has attained an all-time high, loneliness rates doubled from 20% in the 1980s to 40% in 2017. Please understand that knowing your neighbor can combat that. Social face-to-face connections can increase one’s sense of belonging and purpose, as well as increase feelings of happiness and confidence. This does

Sheriff Ezell Brown

Newton County, Georgia

not mean you should suddenly become best friends with your neighbor; rather, comprise small efforts, such as saying hello or offering to keep an eye out for suspicious activity when they are out of town. It will cause you and your neighbor to feel connected.

Allow me to conclude this message by quoting from two of this world’s most celebrated people, in my opinion, and I totally agree. The late Jean Vanier, a Canadian philosopher and theologian once said, “One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and assist people in a way we could not as individuals.

When we pool our strengths and share the work and responsibility, we can welcome many people, even those in deep distress, and perhaps help them find self-confidence and inner healing.”

Finally, the late Coretta Scott King, a person whom I had enormous admiration for, said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” No truer words have ever been spoken.

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.

agency ’ s contact numbers GENERAL INFORMATION

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meet the SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GANG UNIT?

The Special Investigations Division (SID) is composed of Deputy Sheriffs from the Newton County Sheriff’s Office who investigate cases involving narcotics and other vice crimes that occur within Newton County. SID regularly works in conjunction with state and federal agencies to target these crimes. The two main units within SID are Crime Suppression and Gang.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CRIME SUPPRESSION UNIT? In a response to the increased crime in Newton County, Sheriff Ezell Brown created the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit (CSU). CSU is a specialized team of Deputy Sheriffs who report to Sheriff Brown and Chief Jerry Carter, with the sole mission of improving the quality of life for the citizens of Newton County.

In a response to the increased crime in Newton County, Sheriff Ezell Brown created the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit (CSU). CSU is a specialized team of Deputy Sheriffs who report to Sheriff Brown and Chief Jerry Carter, with the sole mission of improving the quality of life for the citizens of Newton County.

CSU consists of one supervisor and four Deputy Sheriffs. Personnel assigned to CSU are responsible for concentrated patrols in high crime areas where crime trends may have increased. Their attention focuses on the reduction of crime in those areas and the apprehension of the criminals responsible for those crimes.

Working no preset schedule or geographic region, this unit maintains the flexibility needed to be utilized in vice crimes, counter-narcotics details, special operations, and apprehension of the county’s most wanted persons.

The Gang Unit’s primary responsibility is to gather intelligence and information on gangs and other threat groups within Newton County. This includes locating and photographing gang graffiti, identifying and interviewing gang members and associates, and developing community sources and relationships in an effort to further intelligence gathering and investigative efforts. The Gang Unit is responsible for investigating all gang-related crimes and violations of the Georgia Street Gang and Terrorism Act. Personnel assigned to the Gang Unit receive extensive and ongoing training in all areas of gang investigations and intelligence gathering.

The Gang Unit works closely with the agency’s Jail Staff in identifying and documenting gang members and gang associates within the Newton County Detention Center. The Gang Unit also works closely with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

WHAT IS THE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM PROGRAM? The Newton County Sheriff’s Office has implemented an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Program to directly assist with the prevention of crime, the apprehension of criminals, the preservation of the public peace, and to protect the personal/property rights of the citizens of Newton County.

The UAS Program will operate in coordination with law enforcement officers conducting a specific mission as guided by the Certificate of Authorization (COA) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These operational procedures are designed to minimize risk to people, property, and the aircraft during the operation of the UAS while continuing to safeguard the right to privacy of all persons.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office believes the Unmanned Aircraft System is saving lives and changing the way Deputy Sheriffs are approaching missions.

NEWTON COUNTY ADULT FELONY DRUG COURT In August, the Newton County Adult Felony Drug Court was recognized as a model court. Newton County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Veronica Williams and Lieutenant Michael Cunningham have served on the Drug Court for more than a decade.

As a model court, the Newton County Adult Felony Drug Court will be able to train other Drug Courts on how to be successful. Alcovy Judicial Circuit Judge W. Kendall Wynne, Jr. has presided over the Drug Court since its inception in 2013.

The Drug Court has gradated 125 people and has a recidivism rate of 21%.

SHERIFF HOSTS RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY FOR DETENTION CENTER’S FIRST RESPONDERS CAFE On August 15, 2022, Sheriff Ezell Brown hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Newton County Detention Center’s First Responders Cafe for Newton County Sheriff’s Office employees.

The First Responders Cafe is a self-contained store with the purpose to serve the needs of all NCSO employees, from food, beverages, and everyday needs. The cafe is customizable to the needs of the NCSO and can be easily updated and changed.

NEWTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE RECEIVES AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION AWARD

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) traveled to the American Correctional Association’s (ACA) 152nd Congress of Correction in New Orleans, Louisiana, and received the ACA Award on August 6, 2022. Those in attendance representing the NCSO included Sheriff Ezell Brown, Lieutenant Selena Williams, Corporal Donna McNeish, and Albert Murray.

“Every day, the Office of the Sheriff strives to meet the highest standards, and the fact that this agency has received 100’s across the board since the initial certification in 2016 shows we continue to go above and beyond to improve detention facility operations,” said Sheriff Ezell Brown. “There is no ‘I’ in team, and everyone within this agency worked and continues to work together to ensure the Newton County Detention Center meets and exceeds all standards established by the ACA. It is an honor and privilege to be recognized as a model facility on state and national levels, and I thank my staff for believing in my leadership and following through with everything set before them to ensure we achieve Gold standards and remain a Triple Crown Agency.”

From March 29-30, 2022, the NCSO underwent its triennial recertification audit to ensure its detention facility met the standards established by the ACA. The audit was conducted by three auditors: Katherine Brown, chairperson; Bruce Denny; and Timothy Lippett.

The standards created and defined by the ACA are intended to improve facility operations through adherence to clear standards relevant to all areas/operations of the facility, including safety, security, order, inmate care, programs, justice, and administration.

During a three-day visit, the auditors assessed the Newton County Detention Center’s commitment and dedication to ensuring the safety of all staff, inmates, and visitors, which the auditors praised Sheriff Brown and staff for during the briefing held on March 30, 2022, in the NCSO Training Room. The auditors were impressed with the prompt response to the inmates’ needs by the detention center staff, and they found no complaints from the inmates regarding the actions of the staff.

In the final analysis, there were a total of 383 standards, of which 60 were mandatory and 323 were nonmandatory.

The NCSO was rated 100% on all standards by the auditors which showed not only the professionalism displayed by the agency but the level of proficiency the agency continued to maintain since its last recertification audit in 2018. The NCSO has scored 100% on all standards since the initial certification in 2016.

Additionally, the three auditors mentioned how impressed they were with the inmate programs offered by the Newton County Detention Center; thus, they recommended the agency conduct workshops for other detention facilities across the state and country.

NEWTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE GRADUATES FIVE FEMALE INMATES FROM WELDING PROGRAM

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office, with its continual partnership with Action, Inc., graduated five female inmate residents from the Women’s Welding Training Program on August 19, 2022.

The five female inmate residents who graduated from the Welding Training Program on August 19th were: Shannon Horne, Sharlene Clark, Aaliyah Roach, Jody Meeks, and Siara Morgan. Four of the graduated fe-male inmates have already been offered jobs upon release from the detention facility through the NCSO’s Workforce Development Office. The starting pay rate for the field of welding begins at $18-22/hour, and there are no caps on the pay welders can receive for their work.

“I am grateful for the continued partnership the Office of the Sheriff has with Action, Inc., and the positive opportunities provided to the inmate residents housed in our facility,” said Sheriff Ezell Brown. “The programs we offer to the inmate residents housed in the Newton County Detention Center provide the skills and training needed to return to society as law-abiding citizens. I congratulate every one of our graduates for completing the Welding Training Program. Also, I thank all those who provided support and encourage-ment to these graduates during the last few weeks. They couldn’t have done it without your support and en-couragement.”

When asked how the Welding Training Program will

shape her future, Morgan stated, “This program has taught me a lot of life skills. I’ve learned a lot of new things, and I now have a new perspective on life. It’s looking like a very bright future for me and my children. I thank Sheriff Brown and all the staff at the Newton County Jail for giving us this great opportunity to change our lives. I also want to thank everyone at Ac-tion, Inc. Their whole team was great.”

The female inmate residents had the opportunity to participate in the American Welding Society’s Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) Sheet Metal tests following the end of the program’s course. The WPS Sheet Metal tests are administered by an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and graded on the following: a visual inspection of the welding coupon and a “bend test,” which tests the integrity of the welded coupon. All the female graduates of the Welding Training Program passed the WPS Sheet Metal tests.

Diana Luong Deputy Sheriff

Amanda McGiboney Detention Officer

Paulette McLeod IT, Detention

WELCOME Office of the Sheriff Martel Robinson Detention Technician

Tychnicus Levens Detention Officer

Valdis Culver

Deputy Sheriff, Bailiff

Shanta Garrett Deputy Sheriff

Nakitha Aynsley

Detention Administrative

ABOARD! Newly Hired Employees Macharia Belgrave Intern

James Hardeman Intern

COMMITMENT loyalty sacrifice dedication www.newtonsheriffga.org