February 2024

A MOMENT WITH

THE CHALLENGES OF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

In this month’s newsletter message, I want to discuss a crucial issue prevalent in law enforcement agencies across Georgia and the nation: the challenge of recruitment and retention. This issue not only affects the operational efficiency of our agency but also has profound implications for public safety and the overall well-being of our community.

In recent years, law enforcement agencies, including the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, have grappled with obstacles in attracting and retaining qualified personnel. Factors such as shifting perceptions of law enforcement, economic conditions, and heightened competition from alternative career paths have significantly contributed to this challenge. Moreover, the demanding nature and high risks in law enforcement work drastically to increase these challenges.

The repercussions of understaffing and high turnover rates within our agency are both intricate and far-reaching. They strain our capacity to provide timely responses to emergencies, hinder proactive crime prevention endeavors, and delay our community engagement initiatives. Furthermore, the departure of experienced officers diminishes our institutional knowledge and has the potential to disrupt the cohesion of our law enforcement teams. It is important to recognize that the recruitment and retention crisis goes far beyond the walls of our agency, casting a shadow over public safety and crime prevalence in counties across Georgia and the nation. A diminishing law enforcement presence may encourage criminal elements, weaken deterrence measures, and lose public trust in our unwavering commitment to upholding the sanctity of the rule of law.

Confronting these critical challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes both immediate interventions and strategic, long-term initiatives. Allow me to provide some of the strategies we are actively pursuing to combat the adverse effects of recruitment and retention difficulties and increase the effectiveness of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office: I remain committed to providing competitive sala-

ries and comprehensive benefits packages to attract and retain exceptionally talented individuals.

Recognizing the invaluable contributions of our personnel, I continuously evaluate our compensation structures to ensure equity and alignment with the demands and risks required in law enforcement work.

We are improving our efforts to engage with diverse communities and actively recruit candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. This includes fostering collaborations with local educational institutions, participation in job fairs, and leveraging digital platforms to distribute information about career opportunities within the Sheriff’s Office.

I am aware that investing in the ongoing training and professional development of our personnel is paramount to retaining skilled individuals and fostering a culture of excellence within the Sheriff’s Office. Accordingly, we are expanding our training programs to encompass emerging challenges such as de-escalation procedures, cultural competency, and crisis intervention strategies.

Recognizing the demanding nature of law enforcement work, we prioritize the well-being of our personnel by implementing initiatives that promote physical and mental health, resilience, and work-life balance. This includes providing access to counseling services, fostering peer support networks, and organizing wellness activities aimed at mitigating stress and enhancing overall job gratification.

Building trust and fostering positive relationships with our communities are integral to our recruitment and retention efforts. Consequently, we are enhancing our community policing initiatives, fostering transparency and accountability, and actively soliciting input from residents to ensure that our law enforcement strategies are responsive to local needs and concerns.

Finally, as part of our long-term strategy, we will prioritize succession planning and leadership development initiatives to cultivate a pipeline of future leaders within the Sheriff’s Office. This includes implementing mentorship programs, providing leader-

SHERIFF BROWN

ship training contingencies, and offering opportunities for career advancement and professional growth. While these strategies will continue to move us forward, I acknowledge that the challenges of recruitment and retention in law enforcement are intricate and multifaceted. Addressing them effectively demands sustained commitment, innovative approaches, and collaboration among all stakeholders, including our dedicated personnel, community partners, elected officials, and the residents of Newton County.

As we navigate these challenges together, I extend my profound gratitude for the relentless dedication and professionalism exhibited by the personnel of the Sheriff’s Office. Your tireless efforts to uphold the values of integrity, service, and justice serve as a beacon of strength and resilience for our law enforcement community.

To the residents of Newton County, I provide my heartfelt appreciation for your support. Together, let us foster a safer, stronger, and more vibrant commu nity for everyone.

In addressing the pressing issue of recruitment and retention within law enforcement, we must come together as a community to confront the challenges ahead. The state of our law enforcement officers— our guardians and protectors—is of upmost importance to the safety and security of Newton County. I kindly ask that we join forces, recognizing the gravity of this crisis, to ensure that our law enforcement personnel receive the reassurance and resources they need to fulfill their duties.

In conclusion, to the personnel of the Sheriff’s Office, I encourage each of you to remain determined in our shared commitment to excellence, accountability, and public service. Through collective determination and compassion, we can conquer the obstacles before us and fulfill our mission to protect and serve our Newton County community.

Thank you for your dedication, and may we face the challenges ahead with courage and unity.

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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RECOGNIZED

In February 2024, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office was the only county in the State of Georgia recognized as a host agency for the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA) Trilogy Leadership program, as noted in the FBI-LEEDA Insighter Magazine, Issue I – Winter 2024.

The FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Leadership program is an advanced law enforcement training program consisting of three intensive, immersive courses designed for law enforcement supervisors: Supervisor Leadership Institute, Command Leadership Institute, and Executive Leadership Institute. The topics covered throughout the program include leadership case studies, performance and risk management, command discipline and liability, bias and

diversity, social and emotional intelligence, and public trust.

Sheriff Ezell Brown would like to recognize the following leaders from the NCSO who have received the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award (Pictured L-R): Dorothy Floyd, Sgt. Mickey Kitchens, Lt. Michael Cunningham, Lt. Ditoria Miles, Chief Jerry Carter, Lt. Selena Williams, Sgt. Jocelyn Detweiler, Sgt. Joseph Lightsey, Deputy Wayne Watts, Lt. Tony Howard (Not Pictured), Lt. Wade Freeman (Not Pictured), and Sgt. Kenneth Kent (Not Pictured).

The full version of the FBI-LEEDA Insighter Magazine, Issue I — Winter 2024, can be viewed at www.fbileeda. org.

NCSO DEPUTY GARDNER RETIRES

Newton County Sheriff’s Office Deputy George Gardner retired after serving the Newton County community for more than 25 years.

On Feb. 1, 2024, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the NCSO personnel honored Deputy Gardner during a retirement celebration held inside the agency’s training room. During the celebration, Deputy Gardner signed off for the last time. His final call can be heard on the NCSO’s social media pages — search @newtonsheriffga on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

NCSO DETENTION OFFICER HARRIS RETIRES

Newton County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer Larry Harris retired after serving the Newton County community for more than 17 years.

The NCSO held a retirement celebration to honor Detention Officer Harris’s law enforcement career on Feb. 2, 2024. Those in attendance included Sheriff Ezell Brown, Chief Deputy Jerry Carter, Captain Marty Roberts, and many other NCSO personnel that worked closely alongside Detention Officer Harris over the years.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH ATTENDS NCSS LITERACY EXTRAVAGANZA

On Feb. 3, 2024, Newton County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Deputies Michael Gregg and Kimberly Cox attended the Newton County Schools 1st Annual Literacy Extravaganza, a community-wide event held at Newton High School. The school system distributed more than 7,000 free books, and not a single book was left behind!

The photo from Literacy Extravaganza is courtesy of the Newton County School System.

SHERIFF BROWN ATTENDS ANNUAL COAG

On Feb. 12, 2024, Sheriff Ezell Brown attended the Constitutional Officers Association of Georgia (COAG) Day at the Capitol. He attended the event with Clerk of Superior Court in Newton County Linda Hays.

The photos from COAG are courtesy of the Office of Governor Brian Kemp and House Media Services Office.

DAY AT THE

K-9 JANA GIFTED DOG BISCUITS FOR NATIONAL DOG BISCUIT DAY

On Feb. 23, 2024, Sheriff Ezell Brown and Deputy Tremelle Riley surprised K-9 Jana with a box of dog biscuits for National Dog Biscuit Day.

K-9 DORI ENSURES THE SAFETY OF THOUSANDS AT NASCAR EVENT

On Feb. 24-25, 2024, K-9 Dori and her handler, Cpl. Troy Mason, ensured the safety of thousands of NASCAR attendees at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. K-9 Dori is an explosive detection canine, and her job is to secure the speedway site.

FIVE FEMALE INMATES GRADUATE FROM THE WELDING PROGRAM

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office, with its continual partnership with Action, Inc. and Georgia Piedmont Technical College, graduated five female inmate residents from the Women’s Welding Training Program on Feb. 9, 2024.

The five female inmate residents who graduated from the Welding Training Program on February 9th were: Stephanie Ellis, Mandy Land, Victoria Sutton, Ivory Watson, and Misty Wilson. 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, Incorporated and Georgia Piedmont Technical College 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 your support and encouragement.”

Sheriff Brown added, “I also want to thank our guest speaker, Tanisha Bowman, the CEO of BrokeCAN, Incorporated, for providing words of encouragement to all our graduates. She is a keynote motivational speaker, social

media influencer, co-author, certified empowerment/leadership coach, and an award-winning entrepreneur.”

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.

Additionally, the female 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.

SHERIFF PARTICIPATES IN ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH PARADE

On Feb. 24, 2024, Sheriff Ezell Brown participated in the annual Black History Month Parade in Covington, GA. He was joined by Sgt. Jack Redlinger, the NCSO Community Outreach Unit, and the NCSO Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (H.E.A.T.) Unit.

SHERIFF SERVES AS GUEST SPEAKER AT MT. ZION AME PROGRAM

On Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, Sheriff Ezell Brown served as the guest speaker for “A Moment in Black History,” a program presented by Rev. Dr. Noah Nyamaropa and Mt. Zion AME Church.

Sheriff Brown is Newton County’s first African American sheriff. In his speech, he explained why Black History Month is so important to him and why he continues to strive to show children that their dreams can come true, just like his did.

NCSO H.E.A.T. UNIT REMINDS EVERYONE TO WEAR THEIR SEATBELT

Last year in Newton County, there were 29 motor vehicle fatalities, and 12 of those fatalities involved individuals who were not wearing their seatbelt.

This year, unfortunately, there has been one motor vehicle fatality in Newton County, and the individual involved was not wearing a seatbelt.

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office want to see you arrive at your location safely, today and always. Don’t be a statistic. Seatbelts reduce the risk of injury or death.

NEWTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ANNOUNCED AS A SPONSOR FOR THE

2024 A NIGHT TO REMEMBER , HOSTED BY NEWTON COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM

SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND COVINGTON FIRST UNITED METHODIST!

SHERIFF FEATURED IN NEWS STORY REGARDING GEORGIA SB371

During the month of February, Georgia Sheriffs’ Association President and Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown was featured in a news story regarding the Georgia SB371, also known as the Daniel D. Podsiadly, Jr. Act. This bill, onced signed into law, will protect police officers and deputy sheriffs injured in the line of duty.

To read the full story, click here.

HOME SCHOOL CO-OP STUDENTS GIVEN TOUR OF THE NCSO FACILITY

On Feb. 27, 2024, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office’s Community Outreach Unit gave a tour of the NCSO headquarters to more than 20 students from Mind Place Studio, a home school co-op.

Prior to the tour, the students participated in a Q&A with members of the NCSO, including Chief Deputy Jerry Carter, Director of Operations Brandy Burch, and Lt. Mandy Peters. The tour, which was led by Deputies Michael Gregg and Tim Smith, introducted the students to all the NCSO divisions, including Criminal Investigations, Administration, and Detention.

WELCOME Newly Hired Employees

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

Freda Webb Detention Officer

Teana Perez-Bailey Detention Technician

Tanganika Horne Detention Officer

Clinton French Deputy Sheriff/Detention Officer/PT

Tanzania Horne Detention Officer

Ossie Bell Detention Officer