August 2024

NCSO August 2024 newsletter

A MOMENT WITH PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN THIS SCHOOL YEAR The start of the school year is a critical time for both students and their families. It is a time filled with new opportunities, challenges, and growth potential. However, it is also a time when we, as a community, must remain proactive in protecting our children from dangers that threaten their safety and future.

One of the most serious dangers we face today is the risk of children being exposed to firearms. Unfortunately, the alarming trend of students bringing guns to school continues to threaten our communities. The presence of weapons in schools poses an immediate threat to the safety of every student, teacher, and staff member. Even one moment of carelessness or lack of vigilance from parents and guardians can have catastrophic consequences. I urge all parents to be extra cautious and ensure that guns are never accessible to children. Firearms should always be securely stored, locked away, and out of reach. It is important to understand that children may not fully grasp the potential dangers of guns, treating them as toys rather than lethal weapons.

Let us take time and encourage our youth not to make threats and not to get themselves entangled with the law. Entanglement with the law can and will follow you throughout your adult life. I urge every child to please refrain from Facebook and focus on your textbook.

In addition to preventing access to guns, parents must pay close attention to their children’s activities, both in and out of school. Violent behavior, whether in the form of physical confrontations, threats, or gang involvement, has no place in our educational environments. The stakes are too high. A single altercation or poor decision can lead to life-altering consequences, from legal troubles to severe injury or loss of life. We must work together as parents, educators, and law enforcement to ensure that our children understand the serious consequences of violence and that they have the support and guidance they need to make positive choices. We must teach our children to resolve conflicts peacefully, to walk away from violent situations, and to seek help from trusted adults when they feel unsafe.

Open communication between parents and children is the first step toward preventing tragedy. Ask your children about their day, their friends, and any concerns. Be aware of the warning signs of violent behavior or involvement

with dangerous individuals, and take immediate action if you suspect your child is at risk. We cannot afford to be passive when it comes to the safety of our children. The prevention of school violence is not only a matter of keeping weapons out of our schools but also of addressing the root causes of violent behavior. Together, we can protect our children from the devastating effects of gun violence and ensure that our schools remain safe, nurturing places of learning.

As our children return to school, it is also crucial to address the issue of bullying. Bullying, whether physical, verbal, or cyber, is a dangerous behavior that can have long-lasting effects on both the victim and the perpetrator.

It is crucial that our children understand the importance of treating their peers with respect and kindness and that they never engage in or tolerate bullying in any form.

Bullying can manifest in various ways, including name-calling, spreading rumors, physical aggression, or exclusion from a group. The impact of bullying can be devastating, leading to emotional distress, academic struggles, and even physical harm. In some tragic cases, bullying has been linked to suicidal thoughts and actions among young people.

As parents and guardians, we must remain vigilant in recognizing the signs of bullying and take proactive steps to ensure that our children do not become victims or perpetrators. Open communication is key. Encourage your children to speak up if they experience or witness bullying and assure them that they can come to you for support and guidance.

We are also focused on the safety of children as they travel to and from school. Whether walking, biking, riding the bus, or being driven by a parent or guardian, all students must arrive at school and return home safely each day. I encourage all parents and guardians to talk with their children about the importance of staying alert and being aware of their surroundings. Simple precautions, such as walking in groups, avoiding distractions like headphones and cell phones, and being cautious when crossing streets, can make a significant difference in preventing accidents and ensuring that our children are safe.

Our deputies will be out in full force, patrolling school zones and neighborhoods to ensure that traffic laws are

SHERIFF BROWN being followed and that students are safe. We urge drivers to be extra cautious during school hours, to obey speed limits in school zones, and to stop for school buses as they pick up and drop off students. The safety of our children is a responsibility that we all share, and it is one that we must take seriously.

As we begin this new school year, I urge all members of the Newton County community to come together in a united effort to protect our children from the dangers of criminal involvement, gang activity, bullying, and violence.

The safety and well-being of our youth are our highest

priorities, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they are provided with the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Let us remain proactive, communicate openly with our children, and provide them with the guidance and resources they need to make positive choices. Together, we can create a safer, stronger, and more resilient community for all.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the safety and well-being of our children. Let us make this school year a safe and successful one for them.

SHERIFF BROWN IN THE COMMUNITY

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 678-625-1403 SHERIFF’S SECRETARY 678-625-1401 JAIL INFORMATION 678-625-1420 JAIL FAX 678-625-1450 INVESTIGATIONS 678-625-1412 INVESTIGATION FAX 678-625-1451 PATROL UNIT 678-625-1410 TRAFFIC UNIT 678-625-1469 WARRANT UNIT 678-625-1411 WEST SIDE PRECINCT 770-788-7812 EAST SIDE PRECINCT 770-243-8227 TIP LINE 678-625-5007

GENERAL INFORMATION

Scan the QR code to download our app today! @newtonsheriffga

SHERIFF BROWN SWEARS IN SIX NEWLY-HIRED EMPLOYEES On Aug 1, 2024, Sheriff Ezell Brown administered the Oath of Office to six newly-hired Newton County Sheriff’s Office employees. The following employees were sworn in: Deputy Kelton Brenton, Deputy Roderick Jones, Deputy Jarrod Johnson, Bailiff Victor Partee, Detention Officer Vincent Stafford, and Deputy Aaron Hoitsma.

NCSO HOSTS ANNUAL NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AT LEGION FIELD The Newton County Sheriff’s Office proudly hosted National Night Out at Legion Field on August 6th.

National Night Out was designed to foster strong police-community partnerships and enhance neighborhood spirit. In addition to the Sheriff’s Office, local police departments from Oxford, Porterdale, and Covington, along with the area’s fire departments, joined forces to engage with residents, showcase their services, and promote a safer, more connected community.

This event showed the commitment of local agencies to building positive relationships with the people they serve.

SEVEN INMATE RESIDENTS GRADUATE FROM JAIL-BASED PROGRAMS Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office proudly celebrated the graduation of 14 inmate residents from the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Program and eight inmate residents from the #1 Dads Program on Aug. 9, 2024. The graduation ceremony, held in the agency’s training room, marked a significant milestone in the lives of the graduates.

The RSAT program is a three-month initiative designed to help incarcerated individuals rehabilitate by developing essential skills in cognitive, behavioral, social, and vocational areas. Sheriff Brown highlighted the program’s importance, noting its role in preparing inmate residents for successful reintegration into society.

“The RSAT program is crucial in equipping these individuals with the tools needed for a productive life post-incarceration,” said Sheriff Brown. “Rehabilitation is a collective effort, and I am deeply grateful to my staff and all facilitators for their unwavering dedication to ensuring a bright future for these graduates.”

Sheriff Brown added, “I also express my gratitude to our guest speaker, the Honorable Mayor Fleeta Baggett, for her motivating words to the graduates, as well as to David Blalock, former RSAT graduate, for sharing his inspiring testimony.”

The following inmate residents graduated from the RSAT Program on August 9th: Stephanie Flint, Sylvia Brown, Ansley Briscoe, Carrie Taylor, Angelica Nolley, Siara Morgan (Transferred to State RSAT), Cody Carter, Kevin Coe, Terrance Collins, Joshua Mincey, Tony Hurst, Brian Aaron, Eric Huff, and Brian Whitmire.

In addition to the RSAT Program, the NCSO partnered with Action, Inc., to offer the #1 Dads Program, which aims to strengthen and rebuild relationships between incarcerated fathers and their children, as well as their spouses or partners. Through workshops, case management, and job skills training, the program promotes responsible fatherhood, healthy marriages, and economic stability. On August 9th, following inmate residents graduated from the #1 Dads Program: Cody Carter, Kevin Coe, Terrance Collins, Joshua Mincey, Tony Hurst, Brian Aaron, Eric Huff, and Brian Whitmire.

Since implementing jail-based programs like RSAT and #1 Dads, the Newton County Detention Center has seen a 50.6% decrease in repeat offenders returning to the facility since 2008. The NCSO currently offers over 20 tailored programs to meet the diverse needs of its inmate residents.

NCSO PARTICIPATES IN PROCESSION FOR FALLEN POLICE OFFICER The Newton County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit participated in the police procession for fallen Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brandon Cunningham, who was killed in the line of duty on August 18, 2024.

Please continue to keep Deputy Cunningham’s family and the entire Paulding County Sheriff’s Office in your thoughts.

Thank you for your service, Deputy Cunningham.

WELDING GRADUATION

SEVEN INMATE RESIDENTS GRADUATE FROM WELDING TRAINING The Newton County Sheriff’s Office, with its continual partnership with Action, Inc., graduated seven inmate residents from the Welding Training Program on July 26, 2024.

The seven inmate residents who graduated from the Welding Training Program were: Latrevious Smith, Kevon Hatsfield, Joseph Seay, Bruce Bolton, Ronterius Spear, Duante Fulmore, and Vincent Stephenson.

Through the NCSO’s Workforce Development Office, the inmate residents have the opportunity to become employed upon release from the Newton County Detention Center. 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 not only the continued partnership the Office of the Sheriff has with Action, Inc. but for 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 encouragement to these graduates during the last few weeks. They couldn’t have done it without you.”

Sheriff Brown added, “I also want to thank our guest speaker, Antonio Taylor, the CEO of Platinum Luxury Fleet, for providing words of encouragement to all our graduates.”

The 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 graduates of the Welding Training Program passed the WPS Sheet Metal tests.

Additionally, the graduates received training certifications for the following: Welding, OHSA 10, Forklift Operator/Safety, Lean Six Sigma White Belt, CPR/First Aid/AED, Soft Skills, and Employability Ethics.

WELDING GRADUATION

NCSO HOSTS ART EXHIBIT TO SHOWCASE RESIDENTS’ CREATIVE WORKS On Aug. 29, 2024, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office hosted their third Art Exhibit to showcase the creative works of five inmate residents. The art exhibit followed the completion of a seven-week online arts and crafts jail program instructed by Dr. Zerric Clinton, Ph.D., a McDonough artist.

“At the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, my passion lies in helping those who have stumbled and find their way again,” said Sheriff Brown. “It’s my calling to assist in their rehabilitation and guide them toward a successful future. I wouldn’t be who I am today if someone hadn’t extended a helping hand to me when I was lost.

To the graduating class, I am incredibly proud of each of you. The emotions you’ve expressed through your artwork speak volumes.”

The artists who had creative works showcased in the exhibit were Angelia Hunter, Miangel Revels, Lindsey Taylor, Jeanna Powers and Shannon Lackey.

The NCSO offers more than 20 jail programs, including arts and crafts, as a way to provide the inmate residents with rehabilitation and help them develop skills, so they can re-enter society and reduce recidivism. A majority of the jail programs are online courses, excluding the Workforce Development Program. Inmate residents are provided with the opportunity to earn a forklift operator certification through the Workforce Development Program.

For more information about the jail programs offered at the NCSO, please visit https://www.newtonsheriffga.org/jailprograms.

NCSO ART EXHIBIT SUMMER 2024

NCSO AND DCS HOST ANNUAL SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY MEETING The Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO), in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS), held their annual meeting on August 22, 2024, to discuss updates and strategies as it relates to sex offenders. This year’s meeting focused on monitoring homeless sex offenders and strengthening communication between law enforcement agencies.

A key highlight of the meeting was the introduction of a new feature that will make it easier for the public to access the Newton County Sex Offender Registry.

The NCSO presented a QR code system that will be available on all physical sex offender registries located across Newton County. By scanning the QR code, residents can quickly and easily access the most up-to-date information on registered sex offenders in the area.

“The new QR code is part of the NCSO’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety through the use of innovative technology,” said Sheriff Brown.

“We encourage all residents to review the sex offender list regularly through our website, our smartphone app, or by scanning the QR code located on all physical registry books in the county. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of the Sheriff.”

The collaborative efforts between the NCSO and the DCS are important to maintaining the most up-to-date sex offender registry and ensuring the safety of all Newton County residents.

WELCOME Newly Hired Employees Charles Simmons Detention Officer

Deputy Sheriff, Recruit

Deputy Sheriff, Recruit

Anthony Roy

Tydric Arnold

Timothy Walls

Nataly Sanchez

Community Liaison

Deputy Sheriff, Recruit

Detention Officer

Estrado Holt

Cameron Price

Tommy Hailey

Detention Officer

Administrative Technician I

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

COMMITMENT loyalty

sacrifice dedication

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