NCSO november 2025 newsletter
JANUARY 20
A MOMENT WITH
. Neighborhoods & Faith Communities • Maintain a watchful eye on one another. If you see suspicious activity, report it. Early reporting prevents escalatio • Encourage holiday décor that enhances visibility and safety: well-lit walkways, trimmed shrubbery and visible ch • For our seniors: establish buddy systems for shopping trips and errands. Criminals often target isolation; connec
TOGETHER FOR A SAFE AND BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON
As the crisp chill settles across our beautiful counnesses, and neighbors to help stay safe this holiday ty and the warmth of the upcoming holiday season season: draws near, I extend my greetings to every one of you. It is both an honor and a responsibility to serve Families & Households as your Sheriff — to walk alongside you, protect our • If you are traveling or hosting guests, you might homes and neighborhoods and build a community consider securing your home by setting interior where families, neighbors, businesses and faith comlights on timers, locking all exterior doors and munities thrive in safety. windows and pausing package deliveries while Throughout this year, our deputies at the Newton away. County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) have responded • It could be helpful to talk with your children to thousands of calls, collaborated with local agenabout safe behavior during holiday activities, cies and worked diligently to uphold our mission such as rideshare plans, social gatherings and of service and protection. Over the years, we have online activity. Encouraging responsible choices strengthened our operations, enhanced accountabiland identifying a trusted adult for support can be ity and developed programs designed to continue to beneficial. reduce recidivism and increase public trust. • Keeping personal belongings secure, especially As we turn our focus toward the months ahead, I valuables in vehicles, shopping bags or visible believe the partnership between law enforcement devices, is a good precaution. and our citizens is more important than ever. Law • When hosting gatherings, you may want to desenforcement cannot and should not operate alone. ignate sober drivers, monitor parking and check The fabric of a safe community is woven by the that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are combined efforts of our officers and active, engaged functioning properly. citizens working hand in hand. I truly believe that when law enforcement and the community move toNeighborhoods & Faith Communities gether with purpose, safety ceases to be a dream and • Consider maintaining a watchful eye on one becomes a shared reality. another. Reporting suspicious activity early may As you are aware, November kicked off the major help prevent problems before they escalate. holiday Season. November through January marks • Enhancing safety with holiday décor is worth a unique time for our community, characterized by thinking about: well-lit walkways, trimmed Thanksgiving gatherings, holiday travel, increased shrubbery and visible children’s play areas can business activity, decorations, events and the energy improve overall safety. of faith celebrations. It is a season of hope, gratitude • For seniors, establishing buddy systems for and generosity. The holiday season is not just festive; shopping trips and errands can provide extra it requires vigilance. Alongside the many blessings security and reduce isolation, which can someof the holiday season come heightened risks: distimes attract criminal activity. tracted drivers, opportunistic property crimes, cyber scams, increased traffic and family stressors that can Businesses & Retail Environments lead to conflict. • With increased foot traffic during the holidays, With that in mind, here is how you, our valued it might help to review security measures: orgacommunity members, can play a key role in helping nized cash handling, checking nightly locks and keep Newton County safe, secure, and ready for a ensuring surveillance systems are operational. blessed season. • Guarding against cyber threats is important: The following are suggestions for families, busiupdating software, strengthening passwords and
SHERIFF BROWN
on. hildren’s play areas. training employees to recognize phishing or ction provides protection.
•
payment fraud can reduce risk. Securing high-value items and avoiding leaving them unattended can help deter opportunistic theft.
Remember, “when each of us does a little, together we accomplish a lot.” As we continue through this holiday season, let us remember that public safety and spiritual service walk side by side. Many of our faith leaders and organizations are already leading the way — feeding the hungry, comforting the lonely and guiding our youth. I encourage every household to pray for our deputies and their families and to remember those who serve through long days and nights and holidays so others may live in peace. A safe community is not only a legal goal, it is a moral one. It reflects who we are, what we value and how deeply we love one another. I urge every citizen to remain vigilant this holiday season. Lock your doors, watch over your neighbors, report what seems wrong and celebrate responsibly. Together, these small acts create a
Sheriff Ezell Brown
Newton County, GA
large circle of protection that surrounds Newton County. The NCSO stands beside you. But the greatest power we possess is partnership. When law enforcement and the community join hands, we do more than prevent crime; we preserve peace, hope, and the spirit of the holidays. Thank you for your continued trust in the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. May your entire holiday season be filled with warmth, gratitude, peace and a sense of security. Together, we will continue to keep Newton County safe, strong and united. As always, if you see something, say something.
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’S OFFICE GRADUATES 2025-02 CITIZENS ACADEMY CLASS
On Nov. 3, a total of 13 students (two not pictured) graduated from the 2025-02 Newton County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy. Over the course of eight weeks, students attended weekly evening sessions, gaining an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at NCSO operations. From crime prevention strategies to the daily challenges of law enforcement, the program strengthened the bond between deputies and the community through transparency, trust and education. Graduates were recognized during a ceremony at the Sheriff’s Office, where Sheriff Ezell Brown congratulated the class for their commitment to learning more about public safety and for helping continue to build the bridge between law enforcement and the community.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH JOINS STEAM ACADEMY FALL FESTIVAL
On Nov. 8, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit participated in the Newton County STEAM Academy’s Fall Festival. Deputies engaged with students, families and community members, sharing information about public safety and community programs. Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Sheriff’s Office express appreciation to the STEAM Academy for hosting the event, highlighting the importance of connecting with local students and their families.
NCSO HOSTS ANNUAL TOY RIDE TO SUPPORT FAMILIES IN NEED
Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office hosted their annual Toy Ride at The Church Covington in Oxford, Ga., on Nov. 15, 2025, to raise funds and collect toy donations for local families in need during the holiday season. “I want to extend my deepest thanks to the businesses, organizations and individuals who helped make this year’s Toy Ride a success, especially my dedicated staff,” said Sheriff Brown. “Your generosity and hard work were essential in reaching our goals and making a difference for families in need this holiday season. I am truly grateful for your support.” This year’s ride was escorted by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Police Department and Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office motors. More than 70 motorcycle riders were in attendance, making it a successful holiday event. Following the law enforcement-led escort around the Newton County community, the motorcycle riders and their families gathered inside The Church Covington to enjoy the raffle, food and fellowship. The success of the event was made possible by the generous support of numerous sponsors, including Sellars Motors, Ginn Chevrolet, Longhorns, Chick-fil-A, Mike’s Tire Depot, Lester Lackey & Sons Funeral Home, Ace Hardware, Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, Dunkin’ Donuts, Rivers, Hilltop Towing, Chancey’s Towing, Precision Automotive, Michelin, Power Through Provision, The Home Depot, Mystic Grill, Bridgestone Golf, K2 Towing, Rob’s Performance, Dairy Queen, Shots Fired and Frank Hutcheson.
OFFICERS COMPLETE NCSO’S INTENSIVE 50-HOUR SWAT TRAINING
On Nov. 21, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office graduated 11 law enforcement officers from the agency’s 50-hour Basic SWAT Training Course. The course, held Nov. 17–21, provided officers with hands-on instruction in a variety of specialized tactics. Training included SWAT operator equipment, firearms proficiency, building-clearing techniques, hostage rescue tactics, less-lethal tools, flash sound diversionary devices, breaching methods, vehicle assaults and operational planning. The course was designed to sharpen advanced skills, strengthen teamwork and enhance preparedness for high-risk operations. Sheriff Brown and the NCSO congratulate all who completed the training and commend their dedication to professional development. We hope the skills and knowledge gained during this course will serve them well in the field and contribute to the safety of the communities they serve.
C.H.A.M.P.S. PROGRAM GRADUATES MORE THAN 190 STUDENTS
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 190 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 November. The C.H.A.M.P.S.’s graduations were held in the following Newton County Elementary Schools: East Newton, Flint Hill, Fairview and Oak Hill. 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.
LEADERSHIP NEWTON TOURS THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE FACILITY
On Nov. 20, Leadership Newton County (LNC) members took part in “Public Safety Day” with an educational visit to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Ezell Brown welcomed the LNC class, providing an overview of the Sheriff’s Office before guiding members on a tour of the facility. The visit included an inside look at the Newton County Detention Center, giving participants a deeper understanding of the operations and responsibilities of local law enforcement. “Public Safety Day” offered Leadership Newton County members a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the dedication and work of the men and women who keep the community safe, day in and day out.
SHERIFF’S OFFICE AWARDED H.E.A.T. GRANT FOR FY 2026
In November, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) announced that the Newton County Sheriff’s Office is one of 26 law enforcement agencies in Georgia to receive a Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (H.E.A.T.) grant for federal fiscal year 2026, which begins Oct. 1, 2025, and ends Sept. 30, 2026. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office was awarded $110,082.24. The agency’s H.E.A.T. Unit will use the grant to develop and implement strategies aimed at reducing traffic crashes caused by aggressive and dangerous driving behaviors. The goal of the H.E.A.T. program is to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities resulting from impaired driving and speeding, while increasing seat belt use and educating the public about traffic safety and the dangers of driving under the influence. “Crash data shows enforcement and education of traffic laws are two of the most effective countermeasures to help our state and nation reduce crashes and eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads,” said Allen Poole, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “Each life saved on our roads is one less family that will have to live with the pain of losing a loved one whose life was taken from them in a traffic crash that was completely preventable.” H.E.A.T. grants fund specialized traffic enforcement units in counties across the state. The program targets jurisdictions with the highest rates of traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities, based on data related to impaired driving and speeding. Sheriff Ezell Brown said the funding from GOHS will
help the H.E.A.T. Unit continue its mission of keeping Newton County residents, and those traveling through, safe. As law enforcement partners in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” DUI campaign and the “Click It or Ticket” seat belt campaign, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office will also participate in year-round enforcement mobilizations in coordination with GOHS. These efforts include high-visibility patrols, multi-jurisdictional road checks and sobriety checkpoints. For more information about the H.E.A.T. program or other GOHS campaigns, visit www.gahighwaysafety.org or call 404-656-6996.
WELCOME Newly Hired Employees Larry McClendon Detention Officer
Kyle Johnson Detention Officer
Emajay Scarboro Deputy Sheriff, Recruit
Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office welcome you!
COMMITMENT loyalty
sacrifice dedication
www.newtonsheriffga.org www.newtonsheriffga.org