March 2024

A MOMENT WITH

EMPOWERING WOMEN: ADDRESSING CHALLENGES, AND INSPIRING

March is not just another month on the calendar; it is a period when we collectively celebrate International Women’s Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the invaluable contributions of women across the globe. This year, as we recognize International Women’s Month, I am honored to spotlight the achievements and dedication of women in law enforcement.

International Women’s Month has a rich history filled with the tireless efforts of women advocating for equality, rights, and recognition. This monthlong celebration has evolved into a global platform for acknowledging the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It serves as a reminder of the on-going struggle for gender equality and the need to uplift and empower women from all walks of life.

I want to take a few moments to highlight the women in law enforcement and the achievements they have accomplished. The history of women in law enforcement is a testament to resilience, determination, and trailblazing spirit. While women have been involved in policing since the late 19th century, their journey to attain equal opportunities within the profession has been difficult. Initially dismissed to roles such as matrons and clerical staff, women gradually shattered barriers and entered the ranks as sworn officers. One notable milestone occurred in 1910 when Lola Baldwin became the first female police officer in the United States, paving the way for future generations of women in law enforcement.

Despite facing discrimination and skepticism, women persevered, demonstrating their competency, courage, and commitment to upholding justice.

Over the decades, their numbers increased, and their roles expanded, encompassing various specialized units, leadership positions, and strategic initiatives. From patrolling the streets to investigating crimes, women have proven themselves as an indispensable asset to law enforcement agencies, bringing diverse perspectives, empathy, and skills.

The strides made by women in law enforcement are nothing short of extraordinary. From breaking

glass ceilings to challenging stereotypes, women have continuously shattered barriers and defied expectations.

Today, women serve as police chiefs, sheriffs, majors, captains, lieutenants, SWAT team members, forensic experts, and instructors, among other roles. Their contributions extend beyond traditional policing duties, as they actively engage with communities, mentor aspiring officers, and advocate for positive change.

Moreover, women in law enforcement have played an important role in advancing diversity and inclusion within their respective agencies. By fostering a culture of respect, equality, and mutual support, they have assisted in creating significant quantities of inclusive work environments where all individuals can thrive and contribute their talents effectively. Furthermore, women have been instrumental in addressing critical issues such as domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault, leveraging their unique perspectives and insights to enhance their service and protect our communities.

The importance of women in law enforcement cannot be overstated. Their presence not only enhances the effectiveness and legitimacy of policing but also

On International Women’s Day, observed on March 8th, Director of Operations Ms. Brandy Burch (left) and Sheriff's Secretary Mrs. Juanita Threadgill (right) were recognized as the two women on the NCSO Leadership Team.

SHERIFF BROWN

reflects the diverse fabric of our society. Women bring a distinct skill set to the field, including strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to de-escalate tense situations. These qualities are important in building trust, defusing conflicts, and fostering positive relationships with community and business leaders.

Furthermore, research has shown that gender-diverse law enforcement agencies are better equipped to address complex challenges and adapt to evolving needs. By embracing diversity and harnessing the talents of women officers and deputies, we can enhance our capacity to serve and protect all members of society. Women in law enforcement serve as role models and mentors for future generations, inspiring young girls, and women to pursue careers in public safety and make a difference in their respective communities.

As we celebrate International Women’s Month, I am honored to take this opportunity to honor the re markable achievements and contributions of women in law enforcement.

I applaud their resilience, courage, and untiring commitment to upholding the principles of justice and equality. As the late Ruth Bader Ginsberg once said, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”

Together, let us continue to champion diversity, empower women, and build safer, stronger, and more inclusive communities for everyone.

It is my heartfelt belief that behind every resilient law enforcement agency, there are courageous and dedicated women who stand prepared to serve and protect their communities with integrity, compassion, and dedication.

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to the inspiring women of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office for their dedication, professionalism, and service. Please know that your contributions are truly appreciated and have made a profound difference in the lives of those we serve.

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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NEWTON COUNTY DETENTION CENTER ACHIEVES REDUCTION IN THE RECIDIVISM RATE UNDER SHERIFF BROWN’S LEADERSHIP

Under the leadership of Sheriff Ezell Brown, the Newton County Detention Center has achieved a 50.6% reduction in the recidvism rate, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to rehabilitation.

Sheriff Brown dedicated the remarkable achievement to the 20+ jail-based programs he implemented inside the Detention Center since first taking office in 2009. Since implementing these programs, he and his team have noticied the positive impact they have made on the comunity as a whole.

“These programs allow us to reunite families, once and for all,” said Sheriff Brown. “We are able to help those who are struggling and provide them with these resources needed to return not only to their families but to their communities as productive individuals.”

Moving forward, Sheriff Brown and his team will continue to find ways to further reduce the recidivism rate within Newton County and promote positive outcomes for inmate residents.

NCSO H.E.A.T. UNIT EDUCATES ON GEORGIA’S SCHOOL BUS LAW

During the month of March, Sgt. Jack Redlinger and Deputy Andrew Archie of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (H.E.A.T.) Unit took to the agency’s social media to discuss Georgia’s school bus law.

According to Georgia law, when a school bus stops and flashes its signals, vehicles traveling in both directions are required to stop. If there is a median, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction are not required to stop but should use caution when passing.

Remember, if the lights are flashing, don’t be passing!

NCSO HUMAN RESOURCES PARTICIPATES IN GPTC CAREER

On March 20, 2024, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office’s Human Resource Department participated in the Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Career Fair in Clarkesville, Ga.

DEPUTY CERTIFIED AS A DRUG RECOGNITION EXPERT

In March, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office recognized Deputy John Restivo for completing the rigorous 160-hour Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) program through the Georgia Public Safety Training Center.

The DRE program is designed to keep communities safer by removing impaired drivers from roadways. Officers who complete the program become proficient at identifying drugs and drug categories, as well as detecting signs that impaired drivers display when under the influence of drugs.

NCSO AND CRTEN HOST SPEED DETECTION TRAINING COURSE

Last month, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the Central Region Traffic Enforcement Network (CRTEN), hosted a speed detection class with radar and LIDAR devices. A total of 25 deputy sheriffs and police officers from 13 surrounding agencies participated in the training and completed the program.

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the NCSO thank the Georgia Public Safety Training Center for proctoring the test. If your agency is interested in participating in a speed detection class, please contact Cpl. Patrick Gilbert at pgilbert@newtonsheriffga.org or Cpl. Wesley Dickerson at wdickerson@ newtonsheriffga.org.

NCSO HOSTS TABLETOP EXERCISE FOR LOCAL AGENCIES

On March 13, 2024, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office hosted a tabletop exercise and invited local emergency response agencies and organizations to participate. The tabletop exercise focused on how local agencies and organizations would work together to respond to a crisis in the Newton County community while continuing to manage the daily functions of their respective agencies and organizations.

The exercise demonstrated the strong working relationships among the local agencies and organizations. Additionally, it identified the external support areas that can assist with the critical incidents when it exceeds the capabilities of any single agency. During the exercise, the County identified some necessary equipment needs.

The following agencies participated: Newton County Sheriff’s Office, Covington Police Department, Covington Fire Department, Piedmont Newton Hospital, Central EMS, Newton County Emergency Management Agency, Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Newton County Fire Department, Newton County Human Resources, Newton County Manager, and Covington-Newton 911. Sheriff Brown thanks every agency and organization that took the time to participate in the exercise. The exercise met a required Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) standard for the NCSO. In order to ensure the functionality of the County if a catastrophic even should occur, the NCSO will host more table top exercises in the future and invite more agencies and organization to join the discussion.

SHERIFF BROWN ATTENDS PEACHTREE ACADEMY’S CAREER FAIR

On March 27, 2024, Sheriff Ezell Brown, alongside the Newton County Sheriff’s Office’s Community Outreach Unit, had the privilege of attending and participating in the career fair at Peachtree Academy in Covington, Ga. With more than 45 years of law enforcement service, he was able to provide valuable insight into the profession and answer any questions the students may have. He believes in always fiding opportunities to inspire the community’s future leaders.

NCSO HOSTS GRADUATION FOR RSAT AND #1 DADS PROGRAMS

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office celebrated the graduation of ten inmate residents from the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program and seven from the #1 Dads program on March 28, 2024. The graduation ceremony took place inside the agency’s training room.

The RSAT program offers incarcerated inmate residents a chance for rehabilitation. This three-month program is specifically designed to assist individuals in cultivating cognitive, behavioral, social, vocational, and other essential skills to address substance abuse-related issues.

During the graduation ceremony, Sheriff Brown emphasized the Office of the Sheriff’s commitment to rehabilitation, seeing it as crucial for individuals reintegrating into society as productive citizens. He highlighted the monthslong RSAT program as instrumental in equipping inmate residents with the necessary tools for a productive life post-incarceration.

“I understand that it’s not solely up to one individual to aid these residents,” Sheriff Brown stated. “It requires a collective effort to ensure their success throughout and after the program. Therefore, I extend my gratitude to my staff and all facilitators for their exceptional dedication in securing a prosperous future for these individuals.”

The following inmate residents graduated from the RSAT program on March 28th: Matthew Boswell, James Dodson, Chris Bishop, Christopher Cartee, Michael McDaniel, Joshua Shull, John Castro, Lee Shiver, Michelle Strange, and Crystal Wallace.

The NCSO partnered with Action, Inc., to provide the

#1 Dads Program inside the Newton County Detention Center. The #1 Dads program aims to strengthen, establish, or reestablish relationships between adult fathers and their children, or fathers and their spouses/partners and their children. Through workshops, case management, and job skills training, the program fosters responsible fatherhood, healthy marriage, and economic stability. On March 28th, the following inmate residents graduated from the #1 Dads Program: Matthew Boswell, James Dodson, Chris Bishop, Christopher Cartee, Michael McDaniel, Joshua Shull, and John Castro.

Because of the jail-based programs offered in the Newton County Detention Center, the NCSO has seen a 50.6% decrease in the number of repeat offenders returning to the Detention Center since 2008. The NCSO provides over 20 jail-based programs tailored to the needs of inmate residents housed within its facility.

NCSO CPL. DAVID GILBERT RETIRES

Newton County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. David Gilbert, who served in the Special Investigations Division, retired after 48 years of dedicated law enforcement service. He dedicated 25 years to serving and protecting the citizens of Newton County.

On March 28, 2024, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the NCSO personnel honored Cpl. Gilbert during a retirement celebration held inside the agency’s training room. During the celebration, Cpl. Gilbert 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.

WELCOME Newly Hired Employees

Cedric Lindsey Deputy Sheriff, Recruit

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