August 2023

A MOMENT WITH

PAYING HOMAGE TO THE WOMEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

We are excited to present the latest edition of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Newsletter, designed to keep you informed and engaged with the activities of our agency and ensure the safety of our community.

In this issue, we strive to provide you with relevant and up-to-date information regarding various activities or events the NCSO is engaged in. From community outreach programs and upcoming events to educational initiatives and training opportunities, we aim to keep you connected and involved. We believe that an informed community is a safer community, and together, we can combat crime effectively.

We appreciate your continued support and partnership in maintaining a secure environment for everyone. Remember, safety starts with awareness, and we are dedicated to keeping you informed.

unique perspectives, skills, and strengths that are invaluable in maintaining a safe and equitable society. At this point, I want to take this superb opportunity to highlight why women are so important to the law enforcement profession and the public workforce, and how their contributions continue to make a profound impact on Newton County.

Number one, their Diverse Perspectives: Women bring diverse viewpoints and experiences to the table, which is crucial in addressing the complex and multifaceted challenges that confront our community. Their perspectives assist us in developing comprehensive and effective solutions to various issues, ensuring that our law enforcement strategies are inclusive and considerate of all members of the community we serve.

My message for this edition of the NCSO newsletter focuses on a very important and timely event; one that specifically occurs in the month of August, and that is Women’s Equality Day.

August 26th is recognized as Women’s Equality Day, commemorating the certification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote.

On Women’s Equality Day, we celebrate the remarkable progress that has been made in advancing the rights and opportunities of women across our nation. It is a day to honor the incredible contributions of women in our society, especially in fields such as law enforcement and the public workforce. As the Sheriff of Newton County, I am privileged to lead a dedicated team of individuals who are committed to upholding justice, safety, and equality. Regarding this special occasion, I emphasize the vital role that women play in our profession and the broader community.

Women’s equality is not just a matter of fairness; it is a matter of necessity for the success and well-being of our community. The inclusion of women in law enforcement and the public workforce brings

Number two, they play a vital role in building Trust: Trust between law enforcement agencies and the community is essential. Women officers often excel in building rapport and trust within the community, particularly when dealing with sensitive situations. Their empathetic and compassionate approach fosters positive relationships, making it easier for residents to engage with law enforcement and share critical information.

Number three, they provide effective communication: Effective communication is a cornerstone of successful law enforcement. Women in our profession often excel in this area, utilizing their strong communication skills to de-escalate situations, diffuse conflicts, and facilitate productive dialogues. These abilities are essential for maintaining peace and resolving issues peacefully.

Number four, they exhibit good leadership skills and are prodigious role models: Women officers serve as inspirational role models for aspiring law enforcement professionals, proving that gender should never be a barrier to achieving one’s goals. Their leadership in our ranks encourages diversity, inspiring more individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to consider careers in law enforcement.

Number five, they play a pivotal role in community policing: Community-oriented policing is at the heart of our mission, and women play a pivotal

SHERIFF BROWN

role in this approach. They are often more attuned to community needs and concerns, making them effective advocates for change and improvement. Their active involvement in community events and initiatives strengthens the bond between law enforcement and residents.

Number six, women are empowering survivors: Women officers bring empathy and understanding to situations involving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other sensitive crimes. Their presence reassures survivors and encourages them to come forward, knowing they will be supported by compassionate professionals.

Number seven, women exercise a multi-disciplinary approach: The challenges we face as a community require a multi-disciplinary approach. Women officers often possess backgrounds and expertise in various fields, enabling them to collaborate effectively with other agencies, social workers, and mental health professionals to address complex issues holistically.

Number eight, and finally, women are excellent stereotype breakers: By actively participating in traditionally male-dominated professions, women challenge stereotypes and break down barriers. Their presence in law enforcement sends a powerful mes sage that gender should never limit one’s potential or opportunities.

In conclusion, as we reflect on Women’s Equality Day, let us acknowledge the immense contributions of women to the law enforcement profession and the public workforce. We must continue to support and encourage women in our community to pursue careers in these fields, ensuring that our workforce remains diverse, inclusive, and representative of the communities we serve.

I am proud to serve as the Sheriff of Newton County, where we value diversity and equality. Together, we will continue to strive for a more just and equitable society, where every resident, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to the well-being of our community.

Allow me to close this message with the following quote: Human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights.

Thank you for your unshakable support, and let us all join in celebrating the achievements of women not only on Women’s Equality Day but every day.

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.

agency ’ s contact numbers

SHERIFF BROWN PROMOTES FOUR TO THE RANK OF SERGEANT

In August, Sheriff Ezell Brown promoted four Corporals to the rank of Sergeant. The following promotions became effective on Aug. 28, 2023:

• Jocelyn Detweiler, promoted from Corporal to Sergeant of the Criminal Investigations Division

• Mickey Kitchens, promoted from Corporal to Sergeant of the Criminal Investigations Division

• Sonya “Nikki” Vieira, promoted from Corporal to Sergeant of the Civil Division

• Brent Morrison, promoted from Corporal to Sergeant of the Special Investigations Division

SHERIFF BROWN SWEARS IN FOUR NEWLY-HIRED EMPLOYEES

On Aug. 17, 2023, Sheriff Ezell Brown administered the Oath of Office to four newly-hired employees during a ceremony held inside the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Training Room. The employees who took the Oath

of Office were Deputy Shawanda Arnold, Deputy Trevor Dunston, Deputy Msxytia Brown, and Administrative Technician Yashica Huff.

On Aug. 1, 2023, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office’s Community Outreach Division attended the Back To School Bash/National Night Out 2023, hosted by the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, at Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers, Ga.

National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign recognized on the first Tuesday in August, promotes positive police-community partnerships and neighborhood fellowship to make our communities a safer, more caring place to live. For more information about National Night Out, visit https://natw.org.

NCSO ATTENDS 2023 GEORGIA HIGHWAY SAFETY CONFERENCE

During the week of Aug. 7, 2023, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office attended the 2023 Georgia Highway Safety Conference in Savannah, Ga. Those in attendance included Central Region Traffic Enforcement Network Coordinator Corporal Patrick Gilbert, Assistant Coordinator Deputy Andrew Archie, and Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (H.E.A.T.) Deputy John Restivo.

“I take pride in our continued partnerships with state and local law enforcement agencies to educate the public on safe driving behaviors,” said Sheriff Brown. “It is not only a countywide effort but a statewide effort to make the necessary changes to reduce roadway injuries and deaths and create a safe driving community throughout Georgia.”

The 2023 Georgia Highway Safety Conference focused on “Evolving the Avoidable,” including discussions on new technology and strategies to reduce roadway injuries and deaths. The trip was funded by the following grants awarded to the NCSO for Fiscal Year 2023: Traffic Enforcement Network (TEN) and H.E.A.T.

The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety

partnered with local law enforcement agencies to create H.E.A.T. to educate the public on safe driving behaviors and to implement highway safety campaigns and programs that reduce crashes and eliminate injuries and fatalities on Georgia roadways.

NCSO DETENTION CENTER RECEIVES PERFECT HEALTH SCORE

The Newton County Detention Center scored a 100 from the Georgia Department of Public Health during the food service inspection on Aug. 11, 2023.

According to the health inspector, the Newton County Detention Center is one of the cleanest facilities they have been in. The Detention Center would not have received a perfect health inspection rating without the dedicated jail staff at the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, who ensure the health and safety of all the inmate residents housed at the Detention Center, day in and day out. Sheriff Ezell Brown extends his deepest gratitude to the jail staff for their commitment and dedication to the NCSO and Detention Center.

Sheriff Brown stated, “Our top priority at the Newton County Detention Center is to maintain the cleanliness of the facility and ensure the inmate residents are being cared for. I am grateful to have a jail staff who continues working hard for the health and safety of the inmate residents.”

NCSO RECEIVES THREE FULLY-EQUIPPED H.E.A.T. VEHICLES

On Aug. 17, 2023, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office H.E.A.T. Unit received three fully-equipped Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety funded vehicles to patrol the roads of Newton County, Ga.

The NCSO has been a GOHS grantee since 2017, focused on innovative programs to address highway safety problems and develop solutions specific to assist in saving lives and reducing injuries. Therefore, with this initiative in mind make sure you are wearing your seatbelt, do not drive while distracted, pay attention to the speed limit and make sure you are following all traffic laws. When you see one of the H.E.A.T. vehicles out in your area know that they are out there serving the communities and citizens of Newton County and dedicated to GOHS goals listed below.

The major goals of the GOHS H.E.A.T. Program are to reduce youth alcohol/drug-related crashes/injuries/fatalities, facilitate impaired driving adjudication, increase overall safety belt usage, increase overall child restraint usage, reduce speed-related crashes/injuries/fatalities, reduce speed-related crashes/injuries/fatalities on rural roads, reduce motorcycle-related fatalities/crashes, increase helmet use among motorcyclists, reduce pedestrian injuries/fatalities from traffic crashes, reduce bicycle-related injuries/fatalities, enhance police traffic services, facilitate effective police traffic services,

facilitate effective community traffic safety programs, disseminate traffic safety-related educational materials, improve coordination/collection/processing/analysis/ reporting of crash reports, integrate emergency medical services into community traffic safety programs, and reduce distracted driving-related crashes/injuries/fatalities.

To learn more about the GOHS safety, please visit www.gahighwaysafety.org. You may also download the NCSO smartphone app to receive update notifications and traffic safety tips or visit the website at www.newtonsheriffga.org.

SHERIFF BROWN ATTENDS RIBBON CUTTING OF EQUINE FACILITY

On Aug. 23, 2023, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office attended the ribbon cutting for the Senator R. Brian Strickland Equine Facility at the T.M. “Mort” Ewing Newton County Agricultural Center, located off FFA-FHA Camp Road in Covington, Ga.

NCSO DEPUTY COMPETES IN GOLF TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER

On Aug. 27, 2023, Newton County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Deputy Michael Gregg competed in the Gus Thornhill Scholarship Fund, Inc. Annual Golf Tournament at Brownsmill Golf Course in Atlanta, Ga.

The Gus Thornhill Scholarship Fund, Inc.’s goal is to provide 10+ scholarships of $1,500 to graduating seniors in the South Fulton area who demonstrate both financial need and high academic achievement.

WELCOME Newly Hired Employees

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

Yashica Huff Administrative Technician

Clifton Jefferies Detention Officer

Trevor Dunston Deputy Sheriff

Edward Bunting Detention Officer William Wright Deputy Sheriff, Recruit