October 2024

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A MOMENT WITH

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: CONFRONTING THE SILENT EPIDEMIC

Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that one partner uses to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. It manifests in many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, psychological manipulation, financial control, sexual violence, and threats of harm. It cuts across all demographics — age, race, socioeconomic status, and educational background — making no family, neighborhood, or community immune. It is a silent epidemic, often hidden behind closed doors, and tragically, it often ends in devastating consequences.

In our society, we are taught to cherish and protect our families. Our homes should be a place of safety and love, yet for many, they are the very places where fear, pain, and control reign. The statistics are staggering, with millions of men and women affected by domestic violence in the U.S. every year. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. In one year, that equals more than 10 million people.

However, these numbers only scratch the surface. Behind every statistic is a person — a mother, father, child, friend, or neighbor — whose life has been altered, often forever, by the trauma of abuse. Domestic violence isn’t just a “family issue” or a “private matter.” It is a community problem, a societal issue, and a public safety concern that affects everyone, whether directly or indirectly.

Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of the breakdown of families. Abuse within the home destroys trust, shatters bonds, and severs relationships — not just between the abuser and the victim but often between the victim and their support network. Friends and family members may find themselves disengaged from the victim, either because the abuser isolates them, or because the victim feels too ashamed or afraid to reach out for help. Children who witness or experience domestic violence can suffer lifelong trauma, impacting their development, mental health, and ability to form healthy relationships in the future.

It is crucial to understand that domestic violence doesn’t just harm the immediate victim. Its effects ripple out, damaging extended family ties, friendships, and the broad-

er social fabric. The emotional and psychological toll on family members, particularly children, can be profound. Children exposed to domestic violence are at higher risk for developing anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems, and they are more likely to perpetuate the cycle of violence in their relationships later in life. For law enforcement officers, who often witness this violence firsthand, it can be particularly challenging to navigate the emotional strain these cases bring, especially when the issue is so close to home.

As law enforcement officers, we are tasked with protecting the public, but we must not forget that we too are members of families, and our loved ones can also be affected by the scourge of domestic violence. The stresses of this profession — long hours, exposure to violence, and the emotional toll of the job — can unfortunately create conditions where domestic abuse becomes a reality within our own homes. This is a difficult truth to acknowledge, but it is one we must face head-on.

We must remind ourselves, as officers and as human beings, that no one is immune to the pressures and complexities that life can bring. We must remain vigilant, not just for the communities we serve but for our own families as well. We must support one another, watch for the signs of abuse within our ranks, and ensure that help is available when needed. Let us never allow the badge we wear to blind us to the reality of domestic violence in our own lives or the lives of our fellow officers.

So, how do we begin to address this issue? How do we, as a community and as individuals, work to break the cycle of domestic violence?

Awareness and Education: The first step is fostering awareness and educating ourselves and others about the realities of domestic violence. We must break the stigma that surrounds it and encourage open, honest discussions about the warning signs and effects of abuse. Whether through community programs, school education, or public forums, we must work together to create a culture where domestic violence is not tolerated and where victims feel safe seeking help.

Support for Victims: Victims of domestic violence must know they are not alone and that help is available. Organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline and

SHERIFF BROWN

local shelters provide critical resources for those in need.

Here in Newton County, our Sheriff’s Office works closely with local advocacy groups to ensure that victims have access to support, including legal assistance, counseling, and safe housing. But support must go beyond these services. We, as friends, neighbors, and community members, must be willing to listen without judgment and help when and where we can.

Law enforcement plays a key role in responding to domestic violence, but we cannot do it alone. We need the partnership of community members, civic organizations,

religious institutions, and businesses to create a comprehensive support network. Together, we can work to identify and assist those at risk, provide education and training, and foster a community-wide commitment to ending domestic violence.

Let us commit to raising awareness, providing support, and taking action. Domestic violence is not just a private issue; it is a community problem that demands a community solution.

Let us all work together to break the cycle of violence and build a safer, stronger Newton County.

A LEADER FOR ALL: THE SHERIFF OF OUR COMMUNITY

Newton County, Ga.

Sheriff Ezell Brown
Left: National Faith and Blue Weekend, Oct. 13
Top Right: Grits and Grace at the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Oct. 14
Bottom Right: Donation to the Tuggle-Harris Educational Foundation Hygience Care Drive

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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NCSO INTRODUCES NEW FULL-TIME, REAL-TIME CRIME CENTER

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) announce an innovative partnership with local municipalities to strengthen crime-fighting efforts through the newly established NCSO Crime Center. This collaboration represents a united front to enhance public safety, utilize cutting-edge technology and ensure the well-being of all Newton County citizens.

The NCSO Crime Center will serve as a hub for real-time crime data collection, analysis and response, allowing for improved coordination between local law enforcement agencies. The state-of-the-art facility will enable immediate access to surveillance footage, data sharing across jurisdictions and rapid response capabilities to incidents, further enhancing the county’s overall public safety framework. This initiative marks a significant expansion of NCSO’s crime analysis capabilities, which have been honed over more than a decade. The Sheriff’s Office has had a crime analyst for more than 10 years, working on a smaller scale, but now moves forward with a full-time, real-time Crime Center to enhance these efforts.

Sheriff Brown expressed his excitement about the partnership and the Crime Center’s impact on the community. He said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with our municipal partners on this initiative, and I truly believe this is a huge milestone for all of Newton County. The Crime Center will revolutionize the way we approach law enforcement in the county by providing our agencies with the tools needed to respond swiftly and effectively to criminal activity. This partnership will foster greater communication and a shared commitment to keeping our communities safe. It is all about teamwork and building a united front.”

Covington Police Chief Philip Bradford highlighted

the importance of teamwork in addressing crime across jurisdictions. He said, “This partnership between the Covington Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office is a significant step forward in ensuring community safety. By combining resources and enhancing collaboration through the Crime Center, both the city and the county will be better equipped to respond to and prevent criminal activity. We hope that this cooperative effort will foster greater trust and provide more efficient services to residents, ultimately leading to a safer and more connected community. I would like to thank Sheriff Brown for taking the innovative lead on this and inviting the Covington Police Department to play an integral part.”

Oxford Police Chief Mark Anglin [QUOTE]

Porterdale Police Chief Jason Cripps expressed optimism about the positive impact the Crime Center will have on Porterdale and beyond. He said, “We are all in. What’s good for Newton County residents is good for the City of Porterdale. We are grateful to be working as a united front.”

The NCSO Crime Center represents a significant investment in the future of law enforcement in Newton County. This collaboration will not only improve the effectiveness of crime prevention and response efforts but also foster a sense of unity among the municipalities as they work together toward a common goal: protecting the citizens of Newton County.

For more information about the NCSO Crime Center or the partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and the local municipalities, please contact Caitlin Jett, NCSO Communications Officer, at 678-544-6289 or cjett@newtonsheriffga.org.

NCSO PAYS TRIBUTE TO U.S. ARMY AIR FORCE SERGEANT

On Oct. 3, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office was honored to participate in the funeral escort of U.S. Army Air Force Sgt. Henry H. Allen Jr., whose remains were recently accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) on June 20, 2024.

Sgt. Allen was killed in action during World War II while serving as a top turret gunner aboard the B-24H ‘Liberator’ Little Joe, shot down on April 8, 1944, during a bombing mission over Germany. We are grateful for his and his crewmembers’ service to our nation, and their bravery will forever be remembered.

NCSO SUPPORTS COMMUNITY THROUGH LOCAL HYGIENE CARE DRIVE

On Oct. 5, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Community Outreach Unit attended the Hygiene Care Drive, hosted by Felicia Tuggle Harris and the Tuggle-Harris Educational Foundation, at Covington First United Methodist Church. The event brought together community members and organizations dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

We were honored to participate in such a meaningful event, supporting our community and providing essential care items to individuals and families facing challenges. With generous contributions from local businesses and residents, the drive collected a variety of hygiene products, including toiletries, personal care items and cleaning supplies.

NCSO PARTICIPATES IN IT’S FALL Y’ALL COMMUNITY HEALTH FESTIVAL

On Oct. 5, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit attended the third annual It’s Fall Y’all Community Health Festival at B.C. Crowell Park, hosted by the Newton County Partners in Prevention Project and the City of Porterdale.

Sheriff Brown expressed gratitude for the collaboration among community organizations in organizing such an impactful event. The NCSO is dedicated to fostering relationships within the community and providing support for initiatives that enhance public health and safety.

NCSO ADVOCATES FOR AWARENESS DURING THE

October is the month of awareness! The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is committed to raising awareness for two important causes: Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us of the importance of early detection and support for those affected by this disease. Together, we can help spread awareness and encourage regular screenings. For resources and support, visit https://www.breastcancer.org.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month shines a light on the importance of recognizing and addressing domestic violence in our communities. Everyone deserves a safe and loving environment. If you or someone you know is in need of support, resources are available. For more information, visit https:// www.thehotline.org.

MONTH OF OCTOBER

SHERIFF JOINS COMMUNITY FOR ANNUAL PACK THE PARK IN PINK

On Oct. 12, Sheriff Ezell Brown attended the 2nd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, Pack the Park in Pink, at Spring Hill Park in Covington, Ga. The event brought together community members, survivors, and advocates to raise awareness about breast cancer and the critical importance of early detection and treatment options.

Sheriff Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office are proud to support this important cause and stand with the community in the fight against breast cancer.

NCSO HOSTS CRTEN’S NOVEMBER MEETING AND TRAFFIC DETAIL

On Oct. 11, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office hosted the November meeting for the Central Region Traffic Enforcement Network (CRTEN). Following the meeting, a traffic detail was conducted in collaboration with the Covington Police Department and Georgia GOHS.

Here’s what was accomplished: 23 citations issued for no seat belt, 13 citations for hands-free violations, 17 citations for other traffic violations and a total of 34 traffic stops Sheriff Brown thanks all those who participated in this initiative to enhance road safety in our community! Together, we’re making a difference.

NCSO CELEBRATES FIFTH ANNUAL FAITH AND BLUE WEEKEND

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, alongside community members, local faithbased organizations, and local businesses, came together to celebrate the Fifth Annual National Faith and Blue Weekend (NFBW) from Oct. 11-13.

Sheriff Brown and the NCSO organized a series of events for this year’s NFBW, including the K-9 and First Responders Blessing and Luncheon, the Faith and Blue Car, Bike and Sling Show, and the Corporate Prayer. NFBW is a nationwide initiative that began in 2020 by Movement Forward Inc., in partnership with the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) and the U.S. Department of Justice, with the mission to build bridges between communities through activities jointly hosted by faith-based organizations and law enforcement agencies.

“Faith and Blue emphasizes that strong communities are built on mutual respect and understanding. Law enforcement and local faith-based organizations are vital to community health. The faith community excels in fostering engagement with law enforcement, which is crucial now more than ever,” Sheriff Brown said. “As the chief law enforcement agency, I want to give my best to the community. Trust and collaboration are essential, alongside principles of fairness and transparency.”

Sheriff Brown expressed his gratitude to the following local businesses, faith-based organizations, and individuals for partnering with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office for this year’s National Faith and Blue Weekend: Covington Police Department, Oxford Police Department, Porterdale Police Department, Henry County Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, Conyers Police Department, Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Natural Resources, Monroe Police Department, Covington-Newton 911 Center, Newton County Fire Service, Covington Fire Department, Milledgeville Police Department, Springfield Baptist Church, Covington First United Methodist Church, Greater Love Fellowship Church, Bethlehem Baptist Church, The Potter’s House Church, The Church Covington, Murray Memorial CME Church, Faith of Jesus Ministries, Wesley Methodist Church, Newton County Board of Education, Newton County Public Safety, MMI Sounds, DJ Rock, Big Al’s BBQ, ISSA Funnel, and Cowboys BBQ.

Sheriff Brown and the NCSO look forward to continuing this community-wide collaboration in the future and thank everyone for their support in making this year’s Faith and Blue Weekend a success.

SHERIFF BROWN ATTENDS ANNUAL SALUTE TO GEORGIA SHERIFFS

On Oct. 17, Sheriff Ezell Brown had the honor of attending the annual Salute to Georgia Sheriffs, hosted by Jones County Sheriff Butch Reese.

This luncheon not only celebrates the Sheriff of the Year but also pays tribute to the incredible work of all 159 sheriffs across Georgia and their dedicated teams. It was an occasion to honor the commitment and service of law enforcement leaders throughout the state.

SHERIFF BROWN HONORED

WITH OUTSTANDING GEORGIA CITIZEN AWARD

On Oct. 20, Sheriff Ezell Brown was honored with the Outstanding Georgia Citizen Award during a church service at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Covington, Ga.

The Outstanding Georgia Citizen Award, the highest honor a citizen can receive, was signed by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and presented by Rep. Sharon Henderson of District 113. It recognizes Sheriff Brown’s lifelong dedication and commitment to the Newton County community and the state of Georgia.

In addition to this prestigious award, Sheriff Brown was presented with a proclamation signed by Rep. Henderson. The proclamation acknowledges his vital role in law enforcement and his commitment to the safety and well-being of Georgia’s citizens.

“I am truly humbled by these recognitions,” said Sheriff Brown. “It has been my life’s mission to serve and protect this community, and I am honored to be recognized in such a meaningful way.”

With more than 50 years of service in law enforcement, Sheriff Brown’s career has been marked by his commitment to justice, public safety and community outreach. In 2008, he made history as the first African American to serve as sheriff of Newton County. His leadership and dedication continue to have a profound impact on the lives of citizens across Newton County and the state of Georgia.

NCSO JOINS COMMUNITY FOR FALL FESTIVAL FUN AT

On Oct. 19, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit attended the Fall Festival at Legion Field. Sheriff Brown and Community Outreach joined in the festivities and connected with our incredible community.

SHERIFF PARTICIPATES IN THE ANNUAL CHANGE THE WORLD DAY EVENT

On Oct. 19, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit had the privilege of participating in Change The World Day at Covington First United Methodist Church. They enjoyed connecting with many wonderful citizens and appreciated the opportunity to share information about the incredible work happening at the Office of the Sheriff!

SHERIFF JOINS COMMUNITY FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WALK

On Oct. 19, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office joined the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk at Spring Hill Park in Covington, walking with survivors, supporters, and advocates to raise awareness and show solidarity.

NCSO ATTENDS THE ECCENTRIC TOURNAMENT TO SUPPORT YOUTH

On Oct. 27, Newton County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit was honored to attend The Eccentric Tournament, hosted by Eccentric Future Millionaires LLC! It was a powerful day focused on character building, personal growth and meaningful connections — all without the distractions of technology or social media.

Thank you to Eccentric Future Millionaires LLC for providing this day for our youth!

NCSO CONNECTS WITH COMMUNITY AT LOCAL FALL FESTIVAL

On Oct. 26, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit connected with their community at Bethlehem Baptist Church’s fall festival. Events like these are a fantastic opportunity for deputies to strengthen relationships, answer questions and show their appreciation for the support they receive from the people they serve.

NCSO JOINS FAIRVIEW ESTATES FOR TRUNK OR TREAT EVENT

On Oct. 26, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit attended the Fairview Estates Trunk or Treat event. Community Outreach was provided the opportunity to see so many of their neighbors dressed up and enjoying a safe, fun Halloween celebration.

NCSO INSPIRES FUTURE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AT CAREER

On Oct. 29, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Recruitment Team had the opportunity to participate in a career fair at Newton High School! The team engaged with students, shared insights about career opportunities at the NCSO and inspired the next generation of law enforcement officers.

NCSO JOINS COUNTY FOR PINK WALK ON COVINGTON SQUARE

On Oct. 30, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office participated in the Newton County’s Pink Walk at Covington Square. Newton County employees came together to raise awareness for breast cancer and honor those impacted by the disease.

NCSO AND DCS HOST ANNUAL SEX OFFENDER COMPLIANCE CHECK

On Oct. 31, 2024, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Department of Community Supervision, hosted the 18th annual Sex Offender Compliance Check for registered sex offenders residing in the Newton County area.

Investigator Veronica Williams, alongside probation and parole officers, organized the annual event to ensure high-risk sex offenders are appropriately supervised while families participate in Halloween festivities. The NCSO’s Sex Offender Compliance Check was initiated in 2006 and became part of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association’s annual initiative, Operation Watchful Eye, in 2015.

There are currently 312 registered sex offenders in Newton County. During this year’s event, held between Oct. 28 and Nov. 4, two warrants were issued for resident violations, and one warrant was executed for new charges unrelated to sex offenses. A current list of registered sex offenders can be accessed on the NCSO’s website at www.newtonsheriffga.org.

On Oct. 13, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office attended the annual fall festival at Abiding Grace Lutheran Church, hosted by Pastor Jonathan Scharf.

NCSO PARTICIPATES IN TRICK OR TREAT EVENT AT LEGION FIELD

On Oct. 31, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit participated in the annual Trick or Treat event at Legion Field, hosted by the Covington Family YMCA, City of Covington and Discover Covington. The event provided a great opportunity for families to enjoy safe trick-or-treating in a festive environment.

NCSO AWARDED $141,753.60 GRANT FOR LOCAL DUI ENFORCEMENT

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety has 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 grant for the Federal 2025 Fiscal Year. Referred to as a H.E.A.T. grant, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office’s award totals $141,753.60.

The goal of the H.E.A.T. program is to combat crashes, injuries and fatalities caused by impaired driving and speeding, while also increasing seatbelt use and educating the public about traffic safety and the dangers of DUI.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office H.E.A.T Unit will use the grant from GOHS to develop and implement strategies to reduce local traffic crashes due to aggressive and dangerous driving behaviors.

“Federal and state crash data show sustained enforcement of traffic laws reduces crashes and saves lives on our roads,” Allen Poole, Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety said. “GOHS will continue to partner with state and local law enforcement to implement projects and initiatives designed to protect everyone using our roads and to help reach our goal of zero traffic deaths in

Georgia and our nation.”

H.E.A.T. grants fund specialized traffic enforcement units in counties throughout the state. The program was designed to assist Georgia jurisdictions with the highest rates of traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities with grants awarded based on impaired driving and speeding data.

Sheriff Ezell Brown stated, “The Newton County Sheriff’s Office has benefited from the H.E.A.T grant awarded by The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety since year 2017. The grant funds have aided us in reducing the traffic fatalities each year and has provided the tools necessary to go after drunk drivers and traffic violators.

As law enforcement partners in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over DUI campaign and the Click It Or Ticket seatbelt campaigns, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office will also conduct mobilizations throughout the year in coordination with GOHS’s year-round waves of high visibility patrols, multi-jurisdictional road checks and sobriety checkpoints.

For more information about the H.E.A.T. program or any other GOHS campaign, visit www.gahighwaysafety. org or call 404-656-6996.

MARQUEZ SMITH CONVICTED OF DOUBLE MURDER IN NEWTON COUNTY

On Oct. 31, after a thorough 4-day trial, a jury found Marquez Smith guilty of the murders of Craig and Desiree Thomas. He was convicted on multiple counts, including Malice Murder and Cruelty to Children. He remains in custody and will be sentenced after a sentencing hearing that will be scheduled for an upcoming date.

The investigation was led by Newton County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Joshua Hicks. Sheriff Ezell Brown commends Investigator Hicks for his outstanding work on this case and thanked him for his dedication and commitment to serving the residents and visitors of Newton County. For the full press release, please visit the social media pages of the Newton County District Attorney’s Office.

NCSO AWARDED $150,000 GRANT FOR KEVIN AND AVONTE PROGRAM

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awarded $150,000 in grant funding to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) for the FY24 Kevin and Avonte Program: Reducing Injury and Death of Missing Individuals with Dementia and Developmental Disabilities. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is one of 15 agencies that received the grant for federal fiscal year 2024.

The goal of the Kevin and Avonte Program is to reduce the number of deaths and injuries of individuals with forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, or developmental disabilities, such as autism, who, due to their condition, wander from safe environments. The program provides funding to law enforcement and other public safety agencies to implement location tracking technologies to help find missing individuals.

The NCSO will use the BJA grant to purchase two scent

discriminate tracking K-9s and implement the Bringing the Lost Home holistic system for preventing or reducing incidents of vulnerable people wandering from safe environments. Scent-discriminate K-9 trailing techniques have proven more effective than ground disturbance trailing techniques in locating individuals quickly and safely. The Office of the Sheriff plans to partner with Scent Evidence K9 LLC to purchase the fully trained K-9s. Additionally, Scent Evidence K9 LLC will provide scent preservation kits and a scent vacuum, and the assigned K-9 deputies will receive annual training.

“This is the first year we have applied for and been awarded the Kevin and Avonte Program grant,” said Sheriff Ezell Brown. “We are committed to putting it to good use. Funding like this allows agencies to implement new and improved processes that set a standard for others, ultimately making an impact in our communities.”

NCSO AWARDED $26,250.40 TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT GRANT

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office announced today it has been awarded a $26,250.40 traffic enforcement grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in Atlanta.

The Sheriff’s Office received the grant in recognition of its lifesaving work as the coordinating agency of GOHS’s Central Region Traffic Enforcement Network. The network is one of 16 across the state that helps enforce Georgia’s year-round seat belt, speed, and impaired driving campaigns.

“This is our way of supporting the Newton County Sheriff’s Office through its continued leadership via Coordinator Corporal Patrick Gilbert and the Central Region Traffic Enforcement Network,” said Roger Hayes, GOHS director of law enforcement services. “This grant will ensure that efforts to protect the public from drunk, distracted, and other dangerous driving behaviors continue, while also recognizing network leadership and law enforcement agencies in this region for their dedication and hard work to reduce crashes, injuries, and eliminate traffic deaths on our roads.”

The Central Region Traffic Enforcement Network includes law enforcement agencies in nine counties: Baldwin, Greene, Jasper, Jones, Morgan, Newton, Putnam, Rockdale, and Walton.

“We are honored to receive this grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, which will empower us to continue enhancing roadway safety across our region,” said Sheriff Ezell Brown. “Through the combined efforts of the Central Region Traffic Enforcement Network and dedicated agencies in our community, we remain committed to preventing crashes, injuries, and fatalities, making our roads safer for all.”

The network’s coordinator will oversee year-round waves of high-visibility patrols, multi-jurisdictional roadchecks, and sobriety checkpoints, partnering in campaigns such as Click It or Ticket, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, 100 Days of Summer HEAT, and Operation Southern Slow Down.

For more information on the grant program, call 404656-6996 or visit gahighwaysafety.org.

WELCOME Newly Hired Employees

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

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