January 2023

A MOMENT WITH

FUNDAMENTAL DATES TO REMEMBER IN JANUARY

In this January newsletter message, I want to speak on two important topics I feel are fundamental, not only to law enforcement, but to communities, and they are: National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States, marking the birthday of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As we all know, it is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Born in 1929, Dr. King’s actual birthday is January 15th. The holiday is like the holidays established under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is one that honors the achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister who advocated the use of nonviolent means to end racial segregation. He first came to national prominence during a bus boycott, spearheaded by African Americans in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955. He founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957 and led the 1963 March on Washington. The most influential of African American civil rights leaders during the 1960s, he was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination in public accommodations, facilities, and employment, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1964. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Immediately after Dr. King’s death, there were pleas for a national holiday in his honor. Beginning in 1970, several states and cities declared his birthday, January 15, a holiday. Although legislation for a federal holiday was introduced in Congress as early as 1968, there was sufficient opposition on racial and political grounds, to oppose its passage. In 1983 legislation constituting the third Monday in January a federal holiday, ultimately was passed, and the first observance nationwide occurred in 1986.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a National Day of Service, a “day on, not a day off.” This day of service assists in empowering individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, address social problems, and advance people closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”

The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance is a time that is celebrated, commemorated, and honors the life, legacy and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On this remarkable day, global citizens are provided with unique opportunities to learn and unite in celebration of Dr. King’s innovational work, inclusive of Mrs. Coretta Scott King’s powerful continuation and formal institutionalization of that work through a variety of engaging events hosted by The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center For Non-Violent Social Change, leading up to The King Holiday on January 16th, 2023.

As we witness nations around the world continuing to struggle under the weight of violence, hate and poverty, this day’s social, political, and economic landscape reveals the urgent necessity of Dr. King’s philosophy and methodology of Nonviolence. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violence Social Change leads the charge to provide education and training in Nonviolence365; while serving as the vital living memorial of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I have always admired and been impressed with Dr. King’s thought-provoking skills, inclusive of the powerful works he performed while on earth. Dr. King’s skills were only a fraction of the reason he became a powerful civil rights leader. He earned the respect of people, not only here in the United States, but also from around the globe, because of his willingness to sacrifice for his beliefs. His tremendous legacy will live in the hearts of many forever.

Two of Dr. King’s quotes are constantly on my mind and in my heart, and they are as follows: “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it, is really cooperating with it.” In the second quote, Dr. King said, “No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity, has dignity and importance, and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is celebrated on January 9th each year. This day was created in 2015 to express gratitude and show support for law enforcement officers throughout the country. It is also used to raise awareness of the importance of understanding that the difficult decisions made by police officers are in the best interest of our citizens and the law.

Regardless of the circumstances or situation, law enforcement officers are a critical part of our lives. They keep our neighborhoods safe and assist in ensuring that whatever is necessary to do from a citizen’s perspective, he or she can do it with peace of mind! Please understand

SHERIFF BROWN

that these committed and dedicated law enforcement officers do not choose this field of work to gain recognition; they choose it knowing they will be putting their lives on the line every day to protect life and prevent crime; to make communities safer to live; and nurture their families. These dedicated men and women have answered a call to public service that is demanding and often unappreciated. In view of the recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally, it is important and exceedingly crucial to show our law enforcement officers that citizens recognize the difficult and sometimes impossible career they have chosen, in public service to us all.

Each year, we call our nation’s citizens to action in support of law enforcement. Those citizens who appreciate law enforcement and are discouraged regarding the negative attention continuously being given to law enforcement, are encouraged to take time on January 9th to show their support.

How can you observe Law Enforcement Appreciation Day? There are several ways to show your support. Citizens can send a note of thanks to your local, county, or state law enforcement agency. Change your social media channels to blue or convert your residence porch light to blue to show your support. Share a story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media. Ask neigh bors, friends, and children in your community to write let ters in support of law enforcement. You can also advertise your support through local media outlets/billboards.

Please know that Law Enforcement is a service of pride and respect, and the men and women in this profession are giving their all for the safety of the communities they serve. Police officers and deputy sheriffs’ risk their lives to save the lives of citizens. They sacrifice their comforts and celebrations to protect them.

Every day people feel safer and happier because they know that police and sheriffs are guarding them both day and night. So, if you see a police officer or deputy sheriff, thank him or her for their service.

Remember this: A true police officer fights not because he or she hates what is in front of him or her, but because he/she loves who stands behind him/her.

Sheriff Ezell Brown Newton County, Georgia

A YEAR IN REWIND

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office, with its continual partnership with Action, Inc., will graduated its first class from the Women’s Welding Training Program, a first of its kind for a county-level detention facility in the State of Georgia, on April 29, 2022.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office hosted an active shooter training course for law enforcement personnel at Veterans Memorial Middle School in Covington, Georgia, on July 12, 2022. The course provided tactical training to first responders to better protect their communities and save lives.

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.

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton Sheriff’s Office hosted their 3rd annual Back to School Golf Tournament at Ashton Hills Golf Course in Covington, Georgia, on June 16, 2022.

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office provided school supplies and books to more than 3,000 school-aged children during their annual Back to School Supply Giveaway held on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Newton High School.

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, in continual partnership with local municipalities and places of worship, participated in the 3rd Annual National Faith and Blue Weekend from Oct. 7-9, 2022. Faith and Blue is a nationwide initiative that builds bridges between communities through activities jointly hosted by places of worship and law enforcement agencies.

LOOKING BACK AT 2022

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

Recently, a significant number of accidents, including highway fatalities have occurred throughout the country due to aggressive driving, also known as “road rage.” Every motorist has experienced a moment of frustration while driving, whether it is due to traffic or the poor decisions of other motorists, a moment of anger can easily ruin one’s day. For some, that anger persists longer than an instant and can result in disastrous consequences.

Although the terms “aggressive driving” and “road rage” are used interchangeably, there is a significant distinction between the two, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Aggressive driving is often used as a label for unsafe driving behaviors, like speeding or tailgating, that could compromise peoples’ safety and lead to a traffic violation.

Aggressive driving is dangerous, and drivers engage in negative behavior for a variety of reasons. Oftentimes, the driver is intoxicated, suffering from a mental breakdown or emotional strain, or simply just late for work or an appointment. While none of these are acceptable motives

for putting one’s self and others at risk, road rage is all too common, unfortunately.

While aggressive drivers are everywhere, the most dangerous road rage incidents occur when two or more drivers have aggressive responses to each other. Getting cut off in traffic can quickly escalate to further aggression if one chooses to honk his or her vehicle’s horn or gesture at another motorist.

Road rage incidents include driving behavior that can escalate to yelling, angry gestures or violent acts. Outside of amplified voices and rude gestures, road rage is a criminal offense. Even if you have been subjected to rude or aggressive driving behaviors, it is important that you do not respond in kind. Think twice before sounding your horn or making a rude gesture, and you can avoid provoking road rage.

According to Safe-Motorist, a total of 12,610 injuries and 218 murders have been attributed to road rage over a seven-year period in the United States.

be smart. drive safe.

Road rage has become a scary thing nowadays. People are taking more action when their road rage boils. What one does can make or break the situation. Keep the following tips in mind when driving:

1. Abandon your own road rage: You will make the situation much worse if you act out on your own road rage.

2. Practice defensive driving: There is a chance that a driver on the roadway is having a “bad” day, in a hurry, or driving intoxicated. If you drive defensively, you can avoid being a part of those individuals’ bad day.

3. Do not look at other drivers: Making eye contact with another motorist can provoke a situation. It could initiate or increase your own rage, if they decide to make an obscene gesture toward you.

4. Do not tailgate or cut other motorists off: Nothing antagonizes a motorist more than someone who drives aggressively against them; therefore, do not do anything to “set them off.”

5. Allow the aggressive drivers to have the right of way: Even if you know that you are driving correctly or appropriately, just allow the other motorists to have their way.

6. Do not make rude gestures or yell at other motorists: Remember, it is not your position to remind others how to drive.

7. Move away from aggressive drivers: If you notice a driver with aggressive behavior, move a safe distance away from him or her as quickly as possible.

8. Avoid making driving a competitive sport: You are not a race car driver. It is not necessary that you win on the roadway.

9. Do not drive under distress: Avoid driving if you are angry, upset, or drowsy.

10. Adjust your driving attitude: Give other motorists the benefit of the doubt.

11. Possess reasonable expectations regarding your travel time: Give yourself a reasonable amount of time and do not establish unreasonable expectations regarding how quickly you will arrive at your destination.

12. Call 911 if you’re under attack: If an aggressive driver attacks you, call 911 right away and stay on the phone with the dispatcher. Consider driving to the nearest police station, convenience store, or other public location with witnesses. Do not drive home.

C.H.A.M.P.S. PROGRAM GRADUATES MORE THAN 100 STUDENTS

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office graduated 103 students from the agency’s Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (C.H.A.M.P.S.) program during an in-person graduation held at Fairview Elementary School on Jan. 20, 2023.

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 — Deputies Tim Smith, Michael Gregg, and Kimberly Cox — are certified to teach by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association and tailor the lesson plans based on the needs of the school. 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.

In December 2022, Sheriff Brown and the C.H.A.M.P.S. instructors graduated 738 students from the program. December’s in-person graduations were held at the following Newton County Elementary Schools: Middle Ridge, Porterdale, Livingston, Rocky Plains, Oak Hill, Heard-Mixon, and East Newton.

Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office acknowledge Newton County School System Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey; 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.

NEWTON ELECTRIC SUPPLY DONATES TO THE NCSO

In the month of January, Newton Electric Supply, located at 8155 Hwy 278 NE in Covington, Ga., donated monetary funds to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office’s Deputies Who Care Fund.

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Sheriff’s Office would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Newton Electric Supply for their generous donation.

SHERIFF BROWN SWEARS IN NEWLY HIRED EMPLOYEES

In the month of January, Sheriff Ezell Brown administered the Oath of Office to four newly hired employees — two detention officers, one deputy sheriff, and one administrative coordinator — in a ceremony held within the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Training Room.

The Sheriff’s Office is actively hiring deputy sheriffs and detention officers. For more information about career opportunities, visit http:// www.newtonsheriffga.org/join.html.

NCSO INVESTIGATOR AWARDED ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

In the month of January, Investigator Greg Dial was awarded the Child’s Advocacy Center Advocate of the Year by A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center in Social Circle, Ga.

“Investigator Dial works with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and has a true passion for helping children, doing everything he can to ensure their safety,” A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center stated in their newsletter. “As an investigator, he is very thorough and meticulous in gathering information and evidence before making determinations to build a sound case. We are thankful to have Investigator Dial as part of our multidisciplinary team in Newton County!”

The Child’s Advocacy Center Advocate of the Year is presented to a team member who over the last year has gone above and beyond in service of the children and families in the Newton County community.

WELCOME Newly Hired Employees

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

James Hardeman Administrative Technician

Pavielle Inglett Deputy Sheriff

Don Marie Bell Administrative Coordinator

Keisha Douglas Detention Officer

Kikitha Smith Detention Officer