September 2020

Newton County Sheriff’s Office Newsletter september 2020

HERIFF

A MOMENT WITH The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic recession have negatively affected the mental health of countless people in this country and created new obstacles for people formerly suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly one in five U.S. adults reported experiencing a mental illness in the past year, and an excess of 11 million had a serious mental illness, which frequently results in functional impairment and significantly limits life activities.

Why Is Mental Health Important?

Mental disorders are among the most common causes of disability. The resulting disease burden of mental illness is among the highest of all diseases. In any given year, an estimated 18.1% (43.6 million) of U.S. adults ages 18 years or older suffers from some form of mental illness and 4.2% (9.8 million) suffers from a seriously debilitating mental illness. Neuropsychiatric disorders are the leading cause of disability in the United States, accounting for 18.7% of all years of life lost to disability and premature mortality. Moreover, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for the deaths of 48,344 Americans in the year 2018.

Currently, 18.57% of adults are experiencing a mental health illness, equivalent to 45 million Americans. 4.38% are experiencing a severe mental health illness.

Mental health and physical health are closely connected. Mental health plays a major role in people’s ability to maintain good physical health. Mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, affect people’s ability to participate in health-promoting behaviors. In turn, problems with physical health, such as chronic diseases, can have a serious impact on mental health and decrease a person’s ability to participate in treatment and recovery.

In a Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Tracking Poll conducted in mid-July of this year, 53% of adults in the United States (21 years and older, 209,128,094), reported their mental health was negatively impacted due to stress, related to the coronavirus. This is considerably elevated than the 32% reported in March, the first time this question was included in KFF’s polling. Numerous adults are also reporting specific negative effects on their mental health and security, such as difficulty sleeping (36%), eating (32%), increase in alcohol consumption or substance use (12%), and deteriorating incessant conditions (12%), due to anxiety and stress as a consequence of the coronavirus. As the pandemic exasperates, con-

stant and essential public health measures expose many people to experience conditions related to poor mental health effects, such as seclusion and loss of employment.

Indeed, the current global pandemic has wreaked havoc on a voluminous segment of the population; thereby resulting in anxiety and depression. Additionally, it has disconnected numerous individuals from their comfort zone, accordingly, making it extremely difficult for them to successfully manage.

As a people, we are accustomed to dinning in restaurants, congregating in clubs and cocktail lounges, attending sporting events in large arenas, vacationing on beaches in various cities and states, traveling and staying in hotels, entertaining parties and other functions in our homes and other locations, visiting with our relatives, friends and colleagues. As a result of the pandemic however, this is no longer the norm.

Law Enforcement Mental Health Law enforcement officers respond to and witness some of the most tragic events that occur in our communities.

On-the-job stress can have a significant impact on their physical and mental well-being, which can accumulate over the course of a career. Many officers struggle with alcohol abuse, depression, suicidal thoughts, posttraumatic stress disorder and other challenges. The following are some of the facts: • Nearly 1 in 4 law enforcement officers has thoughts of suicide at some point in their life.

• The suicide rate for law enforcement officers is four times higher than the rate of firefighters.

• In the smallest agencies, the suicide rate for officers increases to almost four times the national average.

• More law enforcement officers die by suicide than in the line of duty. In 2019 there was an estimated 228 current or former law enforcement officer suicides.

• Compared to the general population, law enforcement report much higher rates of depression, PTSD, burnout, and other anxiety related mental health conditions Some law enforcement agencies have internal mental health resources, others do not; however, there is outside assistance: 1-800-267-5463 is COP-Line. It is confidential and answered by retired officers.

There is also a 24/7 crisis text line. Law enforcement officers can text “blue” to 741-741. Non-law enforcement personnel can text “talk” to that identical number.

FIVE WARNING SIGNS OF MENTAL HEALTH RISK 1. A Change in Personality. If someone is acting like a very different person, or not acting or feeling like themselves; this is a warning sign.

2. Uncharacteristic Anxiety, Anger, or Moodiness.

3. Social Withdrawal and Isolation.

4. Lack of Self-Care or Risky Behaviors.

5. A Sense of Hopelessness or Feeling Overwhelmed.

SHERIFF BROWN DON’T DISCRIMINATE Fear is a normal reaction to situations of uncertainty.

Remember, oftentimes fear is expressed in ways that are upsetting to others.

• Be kind. Don’t discriminate against people because of your fears of the spread of COVID-19.

• Don’t discriminate against people who you think may have contracted coronavirus.

• Don’t discriminate against healthcare workers; they deserve our admiration and gratitude.

• COVID-19 has affected people from many countries.

Don’t attribute it to any specific group.

MENTAL HEATLH HOTLINES

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 GA Department of Human Resources: 1-844-694-2347 SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-daya-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.

The referral service is free of charge. If one has no insurance or is underinsured, we will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. In addition, we can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities.

Sheriff Ezell Brown Newton County, Georgia

history Caitlin Jett

Communications Officer

Communicatons Officer

The Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center have come a long way from its primitive and humble beginnings to reach the state of the art facility we have today.

In the 1807 land lottery, the Creek Indians ceded their lands to the government and from the lands Jasper, Walton and Henry counties were formed. On December 24,1821, the state legislature used parts of the three counties to form a new county called Newton; named in honor of Revolutionary War hero Sgt. John Newton.

The first brick building, located in the eastern part of the county in the community of Winton, was built using bricks shipped from England. The total cost of construction was the grand sum of $200. Because of this building, the area later became known as the Brick Store community. For many years, the Brick Store community served as the county seat, with the building being used for various things such as a stagecoach stop, store, home, classroom, and courtroom. Also, it served as a jail in the event someone was found guilty and sentenced.

Without bars on the doors or windows, a court officer was

appointed to sit by the stove fire and guard the prisioner at night.

Although it would often leak badly, the building weathered many storms during it’s years of service. Even with the passage of time, the old Brick Store is still standing today as a great monument of a bygone, but not forgotten era of Newton County.

The first sheriff, Lemuel Wynne, was appointed to the office on January 25, 1822 and he took the oath of office on March 15, 1822.

The first jail in Covington burned while still under construction. Soon after, a second jail was built just off the square behind the historic courthouse.

It was known as a calaboose and was similar to the one room calaboose that still stands in Porterdale. The jail was used for many years until it was deemed unfit to house inmates. In August of 1901, work had begun on a new jail located on the corner of Stallings Street and Court Place, which was later renamed Hunter Street. The building was considered state of the art at the time with a construction cost of

Caitlin Jett

Chris Kelley Webmaster

around $10,000. The first sheriff to occupy the new structure was Samuel Hay. The jail had a capacity of 40 inmates. The sheriff lived on the premises and in the summer had a vegetable garden to provide meals for the inmates.

In 1985, deputies did not have assigned units so everyone shared a “pool car” . Depending on the shift, there were two to four deputies on patrol, and the cars ran twenty-four hours a day, stopping only when they needed to be serviced. At the time, Captain Morris Jones was in charge of the patrol division and Lt. Garland Curtis was in charge of the jail. The Sheriff’s Office operated its own dispatch center and when manpower was short, officer Tommy Lee Thomason split his duties working two nights in the jail and two nights on the radio. Other detention officers were Sgt. Raydene Thomason, Sgt. Minnie Kate Wilborn, Gwen Hightower and several others. Some of the patrol deputies were Lt. Ezell Brown, Deputy Henry Goss, Sgt. Cleo Banks, Deputy Darrell Henderson, and Sgt. Jimmy Byrd. Vivian Ramsey was the dayshift radio operator.

Webmaster

Christopher Kelley Editorial

general information 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.”

OCTOBER TRAINING October 19

Jail Operations Part 1

0800 - 1700 @ Training Room

October 20

Jail Operations Part 2

0800 - 1700 @ Training Room

October 27

X26P TASER

0800 - 1200 @ Training Room

October 27 Less Lethal

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.

1300 - 1700 @ Eastside Precinct

The administrative office hours for the Newton County Sheriff's Office are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays.

0900 - 1100 @ Training Room

The Newton County Jail is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

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contact numbers

General Information Sheriff’s Secretary Jail Information Jail Fax Investigations Investigation Fax Patrol Unit Traffic Unit Warrant Unit

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678-625-1403 678-625-1401 678-625-1420 678-625-1450 678-625-1412 678-625-1451 678-625-1410 678-625-1469 678-625-1411

social media

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October 28

Crime Scene Management

0800 - 0900 @ Training Room

October 28

Report Writing

October 28 Pursuits

1100 - 1200 @ Training Room

October 28

Courtroom Demeanor

1300 - 1700 @ Training Room

October 29

Laser Shot Machine

0800 - 1100 @ Eastside Precinct

October 29

Traffic Stops

1100 - 1200 @ Eastside Precinct

October 29

Search & Seizure

1300 - 1500 @ Eastside Precinct

October 29

Structure Clearing

1500 - 1700 @ Eastside Precinct

October 30

Crimes Against Children

0800 - 1000 @ Training Room

October 30

Death Investigation

1000 - 1200 @ Training Room

October 30

@newtonsheriffga

Gang Investigation

1300 - 1700 @ Training Room

WE ARE

open

On July 1, 2020, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office began construction on expanding its main headquarters located at 15151 Alcovy Road in Covington.

Please be advised that we are open to the public during this time.

Parking for the public is located in Lot 1; parking for employees is located in Lot 2. Please follow the arrows to designated parking.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding while renovations are ongoing. Please call 678-625-1401 if you have any questions or concerns.

REMEMBERING 9-11 On this, the 19th Anniversary of September 11, 2001 our Country endured a terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., including the crash of United Airlines Flight #93 in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. At that moment, the world changed and we would never go back to the comfort zone we were familiar to in our daily walk.

I would like to take this opportunity to convey my sincere thoughts, prayers and condolences to the families of the 2,977 persons, including first responders, who lost their lives on that awful Tuesday morning.

I will never forget that dreadful day, as an investigator, sitting at my desk inside the old historic jail, here in Newton County, reviewing cases, when suddenly I observed on television the first plane that crashed into theWorld Trade Center tower.

I was in total disbelief. My first thought was an accident, involving a commercial airliner; however, later, I learned the incident was a terrorist attack on our nation by Al-Qaeda, involving 19 hijackers.

As I continued to view the startling developments, my heart began to pound, as a result of the horrifying scenes and the number of persons affected. This especially hit home for me when I saw the 343 New York City firefighters, 23 New York City police officers and 37 Port Authority officers, who perished in this most egregious attack.

It is my prayer that God will continue to stretch his loving arms around the families, friends and colleagues of the persons who died in this terrifying attack. In God we trust for peace, comfort, and protection.

Ezell Brown Sheriff

OAK HILL CHURCH DONATES ITEMS TO DEPUTIES On Sept. 2, 2020, Minister Tate Sutton and the Oak Hill Church of Christ donated snacks, books, and other goodies to Newton County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

SHERIFF BROWN SWEARS-IN NEW EMPLOYEES On Sept. 22, 2020, Sheriff Ezell Brown administered the Oath of Office to six newly-hired Newton County Sheriff’s Office employees in a ceremony held inside the NCSO Training Room.

Sheriff Brown and the NCSO are honored to have Deputy Sheriffs Hang Tran and Carlos Rhodes; and Detention Officers Amanda Bell, Christian E.L. Powell, Irvin Hawkins Jr., and Tammy S. Palomino as part of their law enforcement family.

GPS HOSPITALITY AND PIZZA HUT DONATE PIZZA TO DEPUTIES On Sept. 24, 2020, GPS Hospitality Director of Operations, Zack Wilcox; the GPS Hospitality team; and Pizza Hut, located off Highway 278 in Covington, donated pizza to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

OUR CONDOLENCES

Retired Georgia State Patrol Major Robert Hightower

On Sept. 25, 2020, Sheriff Ezell Brown provided the following statement to the family of retired Georgia State Patrol Major Robert Hightower, who transitioned on Sept. 18, 2020: On behalf of the great men and women of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, I want to take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt prayers and condolences to the families, both biological and law enforcement, of Retired Georgia State Patrol Major Robert Hightower, who transitioned from this earthly life to his heavenly home on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020.

I have personally known Major Hightower for a number years and found him to be a person of authentic distinction and integrity. I recall very vividly when he broke barriers in this state and the nation when he became the first African-American State Trooper employed by the Georgia State Patrol in 1970.

Major Hightower possessed an unquestionable commitment and dedication to public service. Upon his retirement from the Department of Public Safety in 1998, he became

the Driver’s License consultant and liaison between the Department of Public Safety and the Georgia General Assembly. He was successively appointed by the Georgia House Speaker, the late Tom Murphy, to serve as the Sergeant-At-Arms for the Georgia General Assembly.

He later served as a Civil Disorder Mediator and Conciliator in the State of Georgia for 19 years, inclusive of providing executive security for a number of notable individuals; including the late Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. Major Hightower will truly be missed, as he certainly inaugurated an impeccable example for men and women in law enforcement throughout this nation for years to come.

Ezell Brown Sheriff

2020 Youth Summit On Sept. 26, 2020, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the National Action Network (NAN) Youth Group of Newton County to host the virtual 2020 Youth Summit, which was live-streamed through Facebook.

The two-hour virtual event informed youth groups, ages 13 to 17, in the Newton County community and beyond about human sex trafficking, sex offender awareness, and distracted driving. The youth groups were met with knowledgeable presenters, such as Victor Williams, coordinator for the Georgia Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking Task Force; Dr.

Sharron Brown, human sex trafficking survivor and expert; Deputy Veronica Williams, NCSO Sex Offender Unit; Officer Patrick Gilbert, NCSO H.E.A.T. Unit; and Deputy Tim Smith, NCSO Community Outreach Division.

“I am appreciative of the remarkable work the National Action Network Youth Group of Newton County does for this community, as well as the tremendous assistance they have provided in ensuring Newton County is one of the most informed communities in the nation,” said Sheriff Brown. “I am honored and delighted to become partners with NAN, and I look forward to future

endeavors as we continue to keep our community informed.”

Sheriff Brown continued, “The 2020 Youth Summit would not have been possible without the help of my staff, who worked diligently to make this event successful, and the presenters who took time out of their personal lives to share their knowledge with our online viewers.

I thank each and every one of you for your dedication and commitment to keeping our community informed.”

The members of NAN who spoke during the event included Isaiah Dawson, president; Dominique Lowe, secretary; and Saniya Reese, vice secretary.

“I would like to thank the Newton County Sheriff’s Office for allowing this youth chapter to work with them in spreading awareness to this wonderful community,” said Dawson. “There’s still numerous things this country needs to improve upon. That’s why we are working with the Sheriff’s Office to hopefully spread awareness to those watching today and multiple other people as well. There will be no peace in this country if there’s no justice.”

The 2020 Youth Summit, in its entirety, can be viewed on the NCSO Facebook page at https://facebook.com/ NewtonSheriffGA.

human sex trafficking sex offender awareness distracted driving

NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE

1-888-373-7888 GET HELP • REPORT HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Q&A WITH SHERIFF BROWN What should you do when you are pulled over by a law enforcement officer?

An individual should be polite, respectful and respond only when asked a question by the officer.

Do you keep your hands inside or outside of the car when you are stopped by a law enforcement officer?

You should always keep your hands in plain sight.

Should you keep your registration in the glove compartment or in the visor?

Generally, a law enforcement officer will automatically access the vehicle’s registration via his/ her patrol vehicle’s computer terminal. However, if the officer requests the registration, make sure to inform him or her of the location of the registration and request permission to access it.

How do you indicate to the law enforcement officer when you are reaching for something without indicating danger?

There is no particular procedure in accessing requested documents; however, never make sudden movements. You should always keep your hands visible to the law enforcement officer.

What type of questions should you ask the law enforcement officer when you are stopped?

If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer, you don’t have to ask the officer the reason he or she stopped you. Law Enforcement Officers are trained in such manner that during traffic stops, etc., he or she will normally inform the motorist the reason for the stop prior to requesting any documents.

Lt. Paul Gunter, of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, retired on Sept. 30, 2020.

With 40 years of law enforcement experience, Lt. Gunter spent the last 30 years serving the Newton County community, beginning his service at the Covington Police Department before becoming employed with the NCSO. He served as the NCSO training coordinator, employee certification manager, and chaplain prior to his retirement. He has more than 3,600 hours of training in the field of law enforcement.

Lt. Gunter is a Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council Certified Instructor and a member of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association Chaplain’s Division. As a dedicated member of his community, he served as a parttime pastor and is an active missionary for the Baptist Home Mission Board. Additionally, he is a member of Leadership Newton County.

In 2000, Lt. Gunter received his Doctor of Ministry degree. He previously received the University of Georgia Certificate of Public Management in 1994.

On Sept. 29, 2020, Sheriff Ezell Brown and his staff honored Lt. Gunter during a drop-in retirement celebration held inside the NCSO Training Room. Sheriff Brown presented Lt. Gunter with a permanent key to the NCSO facilities.

“Lt. Gunter was one of the most knowledgeable officers in terms of law enforcement training and procedures I have ever know,” said Sheriff Brown. “Not only is he a dear friend of mine, he is also one of the most committed and dedicat-

ed law enforcement officers I have ever known.

I have known him and his lovely wife for many, many years. I am honored to have presented Lt. Gunter with a key to the Sheriff’s Office, which will allow him to come and go, as he pleases, with no restrictions. This retirement is well-deserved. I wish you endless days of relaxation, Lt. Gunter. You’ll be missed but never forgotten.”

FAREWELL LT. PAUL GUNTER

HAPPY RETIREMENT

WELCOME

aboard

Carlos Rhodes Deputy Sheriff

Hang Tran

Deputy Sheriff

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

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS STAYING SAFE THIS QUARANTINE-O-WEEN

WEAR A MASK! • Make your cloth mask part of your costume • A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask • Do NOT wear a costume mask over a cloth mask. It can make breathing more difficult • Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing

PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING! • Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you • Indoors and outdoors, you are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with others for a long period of time

WASH YOUR HANDS! • Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it after touching objects or other people • Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol Parents: supervise young children using hand sanitizer • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home and before you eat any treats

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at https://www.cdc.gov

HAVE FUN AND STAY SAFE!

COMMITMENT loyalty sacrifice dedication www . newtonsheriffga . org