february 2026 newsletter
. Neighborhoods & Faith Communities
A MOMENT WITH BUILDING TRUST THROUGH SERVICE, LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY
• Maintain a watchful eye on one another. If you see suspicious activity, report it. Early reporting prevents escalation.
• Encourage holiday décor that enhances visibility and safety: well-lit walkways, trimmed shrubbery and visible children’s
• For our seniors: establish buddy systems for shopping trips and errands. Criminals often target isolation; connection
February is the shortest month of the year, yet it carries extraordinary meaning. It is a time of reflection and remembrance. A time when we celebrate history and heritage. A time when we emphasize love, unity and human connection. And here in Newton County, it is also a time when we recommit ourselves to service, partnership and the responsibility of protecting our community.
As your Sheriff, I often reflect on the rhythm of our work. In January, we set goals and charted our course. By February, we were already deep in the labor, responding to calls for service in the quiet hours of the night, patrolling neighborhoods at dawn, supervising our detention operations with vigilance and working diligently behind the scenes to ensure that justice is administered with fairness and integrity.
This is the heartbeat of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office.
To the men and women who wear this badge — our deputies, detention officers, investigators, command staff, civilian personnel and volunteers—February is not merely another page on the calendar. It is a reminder that service is constant. There are no pauses in public safety. There are no shortened months in commitment. You show up in every season. You stand watch when others rest. You comfort families during a crisis. You make split-second decisions that require courage and clarity. And you do so with professionalism that reflects honor upon this agency and this county.
February is also Black History Month, a time of national reflection on the struggles, sacrifices and triumphs that have shaped our nation. In law enforcement, that history is deeply significant. Progress within our profession has come through perseverance and principled leadership. It has required courage, not only in the face of danger, but in the pursuit of fairness and equal protection under the law.
Here in Newton County, we are mindful that our strength lies in unity. Our diversity is not a division; it is a source of resilience. We serve citizens of every background, faith, profession and generation. Our mission is simple and profound: to protect all
with impartiality and dignity. History teaches us the importance of trust, and trust is built daily through transparency, accountability and active engagement.
February is also known as the month of love. While many associate it with Valentine’s Day, I believe love in its highest form is demonstrated through service. Love is checking on a senior citizen who lives alone. Love is mentoring a young person who needs guidance. Love is a deputy taking the extra moment to reassure a frightened child at the scene of an accident. Love is a detention officer treating those in custody with professionalism and humanity, recognizing that dignity is not suspended by circumstance. Love is service in action.
To our business community throughout Newton County: thank you. Your partnership strengthens public safety and fuels economic growth. When you invest in our county, when you collaborate on crime prevention initiatives, when you communicate concerns openly and responsibly, you contribute to a safer environment for employees, customers and families alike. Public safety and economic success walk hand in hand.
To our faith community: your influence cannot be overstated. Churches, mosques, synagogues and houses of worship across this county provide more than spiritual guidance; they provide stability, outreach and hope. In moments of tragedy, you stand beside grieving families. In moments of uncertainty, you lift prayers for peace. In times of celebration, you remind us to give thanks. Your partnership in community initiatives, youth programs and safety awareness efforts reflects the shared mission we all carry: to build a county grounded in compassion and moral responsibility.
To our educators and parents: you are shaping the next generation of Newton County. The conversations you have at the dinner table, the lessons taught in classrooms and the examples you set every day influence the future more than any single policy or program. When young people see law enforcement officers not as strangers but as partners and mentors, it changes the trajectory of relationships for years
SHERIFF BROWN
escalation. children’s play areas. connection provides protection.
to come. We remain committed to engaging our youth through school resource officers, mentorship initiatives and community outreach that bridges gaps and builds understanding.
And to every resident of Newton County: your voice matters. Public safety is not a one-directional effort. It is a shared responsibility between the community and law enforcement. When you report suspicious activity, attend community forums, support local initiatives and communicate openly, you become an essential part of the safety network that protects our neighborhoods.
February’s cooler mornings and shorter days often bring moments of quiet reflection. In those quiet moments, I consider the responsibility entrusted to this office. Leadership in law enforcement is not simply about authority, it is about stewardship. It is about earning trust every day. It is about ensuring that policies reflect constitutional principles. It is about holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
The Newton County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to constitutional policing, transparency and continuous improvement. We are embracing training advancements, strengthening interagency collaboration and leveraging technology responsibly to meet modern challenges. At the same time, we never lose sight of the fundamentals: integrity, respect, courage and service.
To our personnel: your wellness matters. The work you do is demanding—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. February reminds us to care for one another.
Check on your fellow deputies. Support your colleagues. Utilize the resources available for mental health and professional development. Strong teams are built not only on tactical skill, but on mutual respect and shared resilience.
Sheriff Ezell Brown Newton County, GA
As we look toward the remainder of 2026, we do so with confidence and humility. Challenges will come. They always do. But our history demonstrates that when Newton County stands united— business leaders, faith leaders, educators, civic organizations, residents, and law enforcement—we overcome obstacles with determination and grace.
The narrative of February teaches us something profound: greatness is not measured by duration, but by depth. Though the month is brief, its impact is meaningful. In the same way, small acts of kindness can transform a day. Simple conversations can restore trust. Consistent professionalism can elevate an entire organization.
Let us use this month, as well as the months ahead as an opportunity to deepen relationships, strengthen collaboration and recommit ourselves to excellence. Let us honor history by building a future defined by unity. Let us demonstrate love through service. And let us continue striving toward a Newton County where safety, respect and opportunity flourish for all.
It is my honor to serve as your Sheriff. Together, we will continue writing a story of integrity, partnership and progress—one day, one decision and one act of service at a time.
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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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 — Corporals Tim Smith, Michael Gregg and Kimberly Cox — graduated more than 200 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 February. The C.H.A.M.P.S.’s graduations were held in the following Newton County Elementary Schools: Middle Ridge 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 200 STUDENTS
NCSO GRADUATES 16 OFFICERS FROM BASIC SWAT TRAINING CLASS
Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office graduated 16 law enforcement officers from the agency’s Basic SWAT Training Course, held Feb. 9-13, 2026.
This intensive 50-hour course marks a significant milestone for the agency, offering hands-on instruction in advanced tactical skills. Officers were trained in a wide range of specialized techniques, including SWAT operator equipment and firearms proficiency, building-clearing techniques, hostage rescue tactics, use of less-lethal tools, flashbang diversionary devices, breaching methods, vehicle assaults and operational planning.
Designed to enhance readiness for high-risk situations, the training focused on sharpening individual skills, building cohesive teamwork and improving strategic planning under pressure.
Participating agencies in the course included the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, Jones County Sheriff’s Office, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, Lilburn Police Department, Milledgeville Police Department, Forest Park Police Department and Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.
“This achievement represents more than completing a course; it reflects a deep commitment to serving our community at the highest level,” said Sheriff Brown. “These officers have invested countless hours into developing the tactical skills and teamwork necessary for high-risk situations. Their dedication enhances the safety and security of the communities we serve. Drawing from my 22 years of experience as a SWAT officer, I reminded them that training never truly ends; it is something you continually refine throughout your career.”
He added, “I also want to recognize the instructors whose leadership and expertise ensured the continued success of this program.”
Sheriff Brown and the NCSO extend congratulations to all graduates and commend them for their dedication to advancing their capabilities in service to public safety.
DEPUTIES INSPIRE FUTURE CAREERS AT EASTSIDE HIGH CAREER EXPO
On Feb. 25, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach and Traffic Units participated in the career expo at Eastside High School, connecting with students and sharing information about careers in law enforcement.
Deputies enjoyed the opportunity to answer questions, explain the hiring process and give students a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to serve and protect their community. Students also learned about the agency’s Explorers Program, which gives young men and women ages 14–20 who are interested in law enforcement a chance to gain hands-on experience, mentorship and leadership skills while seeing firsthand what the profession involves.
DEPUTY SPEAKS WITH YOUNG DRIVERS ABOUT SAFE DRIVING HABITS
On Feb. 28, Deputy DeMarcus Pope spent the afternoon with the young drivers of Pleasant View Church talking about safe driving. From speed limits and seat belts to the dangers of distracted driving, Deputy Pope shared real-life insight on what it truly means to be responsible behind the wheel. Safe driving isn’t just about avoiding a ticket; it’s about protecting yourself, your passengers and everyone else on the road.
WELCOME Newly Hired Employees
Robert Gordon Deputy Sheriff, Recruit
Allissia Gates Detention Officer
Bretania Dawson Deputy Sheriff, Recruit
Exei Brown Detention Officer
Tyler Norman Deputy Sheriff, Recruit
Bernard Johnson Detention Officer
Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office welcome you to the team!
