Issuu

NCSO 2021 March

NEWSLETTER

A MOMENT WITH The Global Pandemic – How Lives Have Been Changed A year ago, on March 11, 2020, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, declared that the global COVID-19 epidemic had become so widespread that it constituted a pandemic. With these few words, Dr. Tedros made clear that the way we lived would imminently change, and it did. Various individuals potentially thought the circumstances were epidemic in proportion; however, there is a tremendous difference between an epidemic and a pandemic. An outbreak is called an epidemic when there is a sudden increase in cases. As COVID-19 began spreading in Wuhan, China, it became an epidemic. As a result of the disease rapidly spreading across several countries and affecting a substantial number of people, it was classified as a pandemic. Since that period that Dr. Tedro Ghebreyesus made the above declaration, there have been more than 118.7 million COVID-19 cases globally, including 2.6 million COVID-19-related deaths. March 2021 marks one year since the COVID-19 pandemic propelled the advantaged among us inside to work from home. It also forced many of us to attend faith and worship services and socialize via Zoom, while the less fortunate and others were constrained to work at locations, oftentimes at considerable risk to their health. It has certainly been a difficult and lengthy year, nonetheless, the conclusion appears to be in sight. Daylight saving provided us with additional light, which began on March 14, and the nation-wide vaccine rollout provided hope that we may eventually be able to enjoy the resemblance of a normal lifestyle. There is also hope to be attained in the dissimilarity between March 2020 and March 2021. In 2020, we were fearful and bewildered, uncertain of the safest manner of which to conduct ourselves, as events were canceled right and left. This year, we are appreciably more knowledgeable about the virus. We know what to do to reduce the risk, and large-scale events such as the March Madness basketball tournaments, are ultimately able to proceed. We think there are loads of logics for hope this March, and even more delightful indications that make the third month the best month of the year. To say that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed

the world would be an underestimation. In one year since the virus materialized and the tracking of same commenced in the United States, it has disturbed the day-to-day lives of millions of individuals across the globe. The pandemic has significantly changed how we work, learn, and interact, as social distancing guidelines have resulted in supplemental virtual existence, both personally and professionally. A new survey, commissioned by Parade magazine and the Cleveland Clinic, reveals the pandemic has transformed the way Americans approach their health and health care in both positive and negative fashions. The survey, conducted by Ipsos, a multinational market research and consulting firm, headquartered in Paris, France, was given to a nationally representative sample of 1,000 American adults, 18 years of age and older, residing in the United States. MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES Predictably, the pandemic has produced a wave of mental health challenges. Whether it is managing addition, depression, social isolation, or similar occurrences, resulting from COVID-19, we are all experiencing it. It appears to particularly affect younger people. Of those surveyed, 55% reported experiencing mental health difficulties since the inception of the pandemic, inclusive of 74% of respondents in the 18-to-34year-old range. Of those respondents, four of the most shared issues were: • Stress (33% generally; 42% of 18-to-34-yearolds) • Anxiety (30% principally; 40% of 18-to-34-yearolds) • Depression (24% overall; 31% of 18-to-34-yearolds) • Loneliness or isolation (24% essentially; 31% of 18-to-34-year-olds) Many are also feeling overwhelmed by the constant, occasional, fluctuation, and inconsistent flow

SHERIFF BROWN of information regarding the virus and the pandemic. Overall, 41% of those surveyed, maintained they were so overwhelmed by COVID-19 news and information that they refused to pay attention. PANDEMIC-INDUCED HESITATION 38% of respondents stated they intentionally missed or delayed preventive health care visits because of the pandemic, even though health care providers went to great lengths to ensure that maintaining those appointments were in the best interest of everyone. Women were more prone to skip these appointments than men, 46% to 29%, and as many as 15% of the total respondents avoided visits for more serious health concerns, such as injury or chest pain. In a time when it is critical that we must focus on maintaining our health, we must not avoid preventive health visits to our healthcare providers. Oftentimes, when we overlook early signs of disease, we allow same to advance to a serious state or life-threatening circumstance, and that is not beneficial. In a survey released on March 17, 2021, Pew Research provided an analysis of survey responses to questions about Americans’ views and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 90% of Americans experienced a negative change in their lives, while roughly 73% of the respondents divulged a positive development. A majority, roughly 67%, described both negative and positive effects. This survey was conducted between Aug. 31, 2020, through Sept. 1, 2020. At this point, more than 180,000 Americans had succumbed to the COVID-19 virus, while hundreds of thousands of other Americans had contracted the disease and survived. Regardless of all the negative influences of

Sheriff Ezell Brown Newton County, Georgia

the disease, such as death, loss of employment/businesses, missing family, and friends, etc., a majority did notice at least one positive consequence. Allow me to say that the global pandemic has been difficult on everyone’s life. It has certainly taken us out of our comfort zone. It has drastically changed the manner of which we function as human beings. For example, we are substantially limited in the worship locations of our respective faiths, our institutions of learning, places of employment, in the relationships with our respective families, friends and colleagues, our shopping experiences, and numerous other conventional activities. Therefore, we must remain vigilant, follow the scientists’ recommendations and most importantly, maintain a committed and devoted prayer life. I honestly believe that God often moves us out of our comfort zones so that we may grow deeper in Him. Please remain safe, wear your masks, social distance when possible, and continue to take every precautionary measure possible. May God Bless you and your families.

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.” 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 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays. The Newton County Jail is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

contact numbers

GENERAL INFORMATION SHERIFF’S SECRETARY JAIL INFORMATION JAIL FAX INVESTIGATIONS INVESTIGATION FAX PATROL UNIT TRAFFIC UNIT WARRANT UNIT WEST SIDE PRECINCT EAST SIDE PRECINCT TIP LINE

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 770-788-7812 770-243-8227 678-625-5007

social media

@newtonsheriffga Featured Photo: Sheriff Ezell Brown posed with the Black History Month Pioneer Award, which was presented to him by Congressman Hank Johnson on March 20, 2021.

MEET OUR K-9 UNIT The Newton County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit consists of four handlers and their canines: Deputy Mark Sanzo and K-9 Zorro; Deputy Ezekiel Walker and K-9 Bolt; Deputy Tremelle Riley and K-9 Tom-Tom; and Deputy Troy Mason [not pictured], whose canine is currently in K-9 training. Former K-9 Georgia, who was handled by Deputy Mason, retired last year. The K-9 handlers take their assigned canine home at the end of their shift, and the canine becomes a part of their family. In addition to scheduled shifts, the K-9 Unit is oncall 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The unit responds regularly to assist not only the NCSO but neighboring agencies.

My name is Zorro. I am a Belgian Malinois who loves playtime and Kong toys. My handler is Deputy Mark Sanzo. I have been with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office for seven years. I am trained to track and detect narcotics. Q: What is your most memorable moment on the force? A: My most memorable moment on the force was when I broke out of my cage and moved to the drivers’ seat of the patrol car while my handler was conducting a traffic stop. When my handler returned, I had changed all the radio stations and knocked his computer off the stand. Q: What advice would you give up and coming K-9s? A: The advice I would give up and coming police dog would be to make sure you are 100% committed to the job. As long as the police dog and handler have the desire and hard work, the job is very rewarding for both.

My name is Tom-Tom. I am a German Shorthaired Pointer who loves using my innate scent-tracking abilities to keep the citizens of Newton and surrounding counties safe. I also love my Kong doggy bone. My handler is Deputy Tremelle Riley. I have been with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office for almost two years. I am trained to detect explosives. Q: What is your most memorable moment on the force? A: My most memorable moment is being called into work to assess a bomb threat at a golf facility. It was all the golf balls for me! Despite many distractions, I remained focused so that my handler and I could get the job done. Q: What advice would you give up and coming K-9s? A: Training is the key. Rehearsing potential scenarios with your handler everyday not only keeps you in top dog shape, but you get all of the treats!

My name is Bolt. I am a black Labrador who loves training and my Kong tennis ball. My handler is Deputy Ezekiel Walker. I have been with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office for almost two years. I am trained to find illegal narcotics and tracking. Q: What is your most memorable moment on the force? A: My most memorable moment would have to be the first narcotics case I worked with my handler. You would not believe it but I was treated with steak that night for my hard work on the field! Q: What advice would you give up and coming K-9s? A: My advice would be to work hard, stay focused, train, and most importantly... HAVE FUN!

sheriff brown honored with the pioneer award On March 20, 2021, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) honored Sheriff Ezell Brown with the Black History Month Pioneer Award for his historical status as the first African American Sheriff in Newton County, Georgia, in addition to his service to Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District. “It has always been my objective and desire to work hard at everything I do, as I am thoroughly convinced that hard work determines the character of an individual,” said Sheriff Brown. “I have learned that the harder one labors toward a goal, the better he or she will feel when it is attained. As General Colin Powell, the sixty-fifth United States Secretary of State, once said, ‘A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.’” Sheriff Brown, a native of Blakely, Georgia, was elected the first African American Sheriff of Newton

County on Nov. 4, 2008. He worked more than 35 years in law enforcement in Newton County prior to being elected Sheriff, having started his career in 1973 with the Covington Police Department as a patrolman. Sheriff Brown joined the Sheriff’s Office in 1977, where he served in every capacity from deputy sheriff to lieutenant. He restructured the agency to make it one of the most efficient and highly technical law enforcement agencies in the State of Georgia. In addition to Sheriff Brown, Congressman Johnson honored Sheriff Melody Maddox of the DeKalb County’s Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Eric Levett of the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Keybo Taylor of the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, and Lillian Foston Walker of the Georgia General Assembly.

sheriff brown appoints new major and captain This month, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office saw a change in the chain of command following new appointments by Sheriff Ezell Brown. Sheriff Brown appointed Patrol Captain Sammy Banks to the rank of Major [pictured on the left] and Lietenant Tom Kunz to the rank of Patrol Captain [pictured on the right], effective March 29, 2021. Additionally, Corporal Joseph Lightsey and Corporal Ditoria Hammond were appointed to the rank of Sergeants. Major Banks has been in law enforcement for more than 34 years. He started his law enforcement career while serving in the U.S. Army in 1984. He served in the U.S. Army in the following capacities: a military policeman/training officer over the staff assigned to the military facilities, criminal investigation supervisor, and evidence custodian. Ultimately, he attended the Hampton Roads Police Academy in Virginia. In 1986, Major Banks returned to Georgie to attend the Clayton County Police Academy and started employment with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. During his time at the RCSO, he held the rank of Corporal, Sergeant, and Senior Sergeant, serving in all divisions within the full-service agency. In 1992, Major Banks was provided the opportunity to serve the community of Lake City, Georgia, as its Police Chief, holding that position until 1998 when he began his work with the Office of Inspector

General. In 2006, he was asked by Sheriff Joe Nichols to join the NCSO as Deputy Sheriff, assigned to Uniform Patrol. He was asked to mentor and train the younger staff. In 2008, Major Banks was promoted to Corporal, then to Detention Administrator Captain in 2009. He served as Detention Administrator (Captain) until 2015, when he was asked to fill the position of Uniform Patrol Commander (Captain), serving under Sheriff Ezell Brown and Chief Jerry Carter. Major Banks has used his organizational, management, communication skills, and dedication to enhance the operations of the NCSO, as well as to strengthen the relationship between the agency and the Newton County citizens. He has a passion for serving his community and the career field that he has dedicated his life to. Captain Kunz started his law enforcement career in 1981 at the Lithonia Police Department in Lithonia, Georgia. In 1991, he was hired as a night shift Patrol Deputy for the NCSO by former Sheriff Gerald Malcom. He was promoted to Patrol Sergent then to Patrol Lieutenant by former Sheriff Joe Nichols. In 2013, Captain Kunz was the first to command the new West Side Precinct in Covington, Georgia. The oversight of the East Side Precinct and Assistant Patrol Commander, under former Captain Banks, was added to his duties.

12th annual ncso award recipients ONE YEAR

Ryan McMurry Anthony Simmons Wayne Watts Hiram Davis Natasha Freeman Timothy Smith William Gordon Misti Jenkins Zachary Mote Jaidyn Stewart Eric Threets Taylor Velez Christopher Kelley Joseph McClarin Michael Mork Markita Vaughn E’Taysheuna Colley Tenequa Gresham Marco Killingsworth Delarion Walls Charles Simmons John Smith Michael Beasley Shelton Herbert Rukaseyia Jones Jasmin Russell David Sims, Jr. Tammy Sims-Palomino Kiara Webb Devon Brown Lamar Johnson-Falcone Devin Prad Randall Thompson Omar Thyme

FIVE YEAR

Steve Berry Pinky Hall Antoinette Major Alissia Thomas Amarale Exantus Charm Porter Samuel Grant, Jr. Jemon Jordan Jessie Johnston, Jr.

TEN YEAR

Joshua Hicks Jayme Bauer Ditoria Hammond Michael Cunningham Jennifred Price

FIFTEEN YEAR Johnny Robinson Kimberly Cox Terrance Spring Robert Warren Raymond Walden Christopher Bowles Jacqueline Cobb Freeman Moody Stephen Plunkett Timothy Dickerson Joseph Lightsey Adriane Roop

TWENTY YEAR Michael Cook

TWENTY-FIVE YEAR Dana Maddox

THIRTY YEAR Mickey Kitchens

THIRTY-FIVE YEAR Vivian Ramsey

Due to the unforeseen issues involving the COVID-19 pandemic, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office decided to cancel the Awards Banquet this year for safety reasons. However, the Criminal Investigation Division (CID)had a banquet to recognize the deputies and investigators, assigned to CID, that would have been receiving an award. First Baptist Church of Newton County allowed the CID to host the event at their church. This event took place amongst only the employees. The following awards were presented: the Investigator of the Year Award, Deputy of the Year Award, Employee of the Year Award, and Years of Service Awards. The Investigator of the Year Award was presented to Inv. Eric Almond, the Deputy of the Year Award was presented to Inv. Christopher Bowles, and the Employee of the Year Award was presented to Litasha Williams.

HUMANITARIAN Cortney Morrison Romario Johnson Andre Lawrence George Jefferson Diana Luong Erika Jackson Earl Nesbitt Kim Cox Ashton Elder Antoinette Major Anthony Simmons Lee Smith Johnny Robinson Mark Hegwood Priscilla Simmons Dana Maddox Ezekiel Walker Shelton Herbert Derreck Bartlett

MERITORIOUS Derreck Bartlett John Restivo Avery Williams

DEPUTY OF THE YEAR Investigator Christopher Bowles

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Deputy Delarion Walls

UNIT HIGHLIGHTED: SIU Tony Howard Felicia Jefferson Brent Morrison Milton Hightower Christopher Richardson Deighton Waithe Bill Wattterson Jamie Green Mark Sanzo Kierra Bell

DIVISION DEPUTY OF THE YEAR

Uniform Patrol Division: Ryan McMurry Support Services Unit: Stephen Plunkett Criminal Investigation Division: Eric Almond Detention Division: Donna McNeish Court Services Division: Sherri Collier Office of Professional Standards: Joey Salers

RETIREES Paul Gunter Debra Torbett

sro unit deputies receive humanitarian Service award The Newton County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer (SRO) Unit deputies were presented with a Humanitarian Service Award at an early morning meeting conducted by Lt. Cortney Morrison and Cpl. Romario Johnson on March 19, 2021. The Humanitarian Service Award stemmed from the sponsorship of six families during the holiday season, including both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Every deputy contributed $70 of their own money for the cost of supplying the meals. The families were chosen carefully, and the unit utilized the Newton County School System’s Social Service Division for assistance.

sheriff brown presented with blue line wooden flag On Marh 16, 2021, Pastor Billy Ingram presented Sheriff Ezell Brown with a blue line wooden flag inscribed with his name and badge number. The customized wooden flag was gifted as part of the Law Enforcement Appreciation Day hosted by Pastor Ingram and the Canaan Baptist Church, located in Covington, last month to honor all law enforcement personnel, both commission and non-commissioned. Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office thank Pastor Ingram and Canaan Baptist Church members for their support and appreciation. To show his gratitude, Sheriff Brown gifted Pastor Ingram with some Sheriff’s Office souvenirs.

sheriff attends ribbon cutting for new park On March 11, 2021, Sheriff Ezell Brown attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Newton County District 4’s Dinah Pace Park, located at 10265 South Dinah Circle in Covington, Georgia. Sheriff Brown provided the history of Dinah Watts Pace and her family in a short speech in front of the ceremony’s attendees. He acknowledged those who helped create the new park, including the Board of Commissioners, the Historical Society, and the community.

sheriff brown attends birthday celebration for the late atlanta mayor maynard jackson On March 23, 2021, Sheriff Ezell Brown attended the 83rd birthday celebration of the late Mayor Maynard Jackson at Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia. During the celebration, family and friends of the late Mayor who knew his tenure, including former Atlanta Police Chief Eldrin Bell, shared stories of his greatness. Many stories highlighted moments from the 1980s and 1990s when he brought the Olympic Games to Atlanta.

new course added to detention center programs

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office added Readiness to its list of courses provided for offenders by the Newton County Detention Center’s Workforce Development and Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) programs. The newly-added course encompasses several areas to better prepare offenders for gainful employment opportunities and other positive life outcomes, including soft skills, cognitive skills, and industry-recognized training and certifications employers expect from qualified applicants. The term “employment readiness” pertains to both the offender’s ability to obtain and retain a job. The ability to gain employment and the ability to retain employment are two very different skill sets the offender must acquire to be successful in the workplace. What keeps people from getting where they want to go at work? It is not usually a lack of technical skills that hold them back, but rather a

need to develop social, communication, and personal qualities — or what we call “soft skills.” Studies tell us that employers are looking for someone who has excellent soft skills, which falls under the category of personal qualities, communication skills, team skills, and problem-solving skills. These are some of the areas that we focus on in our Workforce Development Program. For offenders transitioning back to the community, pre-release employment and related services have the potential to foster post-release success. Many people with a criminal record come to us and ask, “Are there any good jobs for inmates after they have been released from jail?” Our answer is “Yes!” There are employers who are willing to offer opportunities to those that have criminal records. We have begun highlighting employers, who have partnered with our RSAT and Workforce Development programs, in our monthly newsletter.

WORK RELEASE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT:

TNT DOOR & DRAWER

TNT Door & Drawer, located at 45 Sunbelt Parkway in Covington, has more than 15 years of experience in custom cabinetry and components. The company provides a wide variety of door styles and can even do custom door design orders. The company’s goal is to provide a customer service level of excellence. Eric Dane, general manager, recently hired two returning citizens from the Newton County Detention Center — Shannon Horne [left] and Jessie Wilcox [right]. Horne was a graduate of the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program. As she returns to society, she now “believe[s] anything is possible” thanks to the help and guidance provided by Tongela Smith, Workforce Development Program Coordinator and RSAT Job Coach, and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office “When I am sitting here all alone and thinking, I realize how much different I feel from a year ago this time. I was an alcoholic and destroying everything I came in contact with,” said Horne. “I am so happy and feel so good, and it’s all without any mind alternating substances ... I am so glad Mr. Eric Crane gave me an opportunity to work for him. I now have

confidence and am so proud of all the things I am finally going to be able to accomplish. With the help of Newton County Sheriff’s Office and Mrs. Tongela Smith, I now believe anything is possible.” Wilcox shared his experiences with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office after he was offered a job opportunity with TNT Door & Drawer. “[Tongela Smith] did a very good job. She really did,” said Wilcox. “She went beyond her job to ensure that everything was taken care of for me, and I appreciate her very much. Thank you, Newton County Sheriff’s Office, for this opportunity.”

newton county detention center and naphcare presented with ncchc accreditation award The National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) presented the Newton County Detention Center and their correctional healthcare partner, NaphCare, with the NCCHC Accreditation Standards in Health Services 2020 plaque on March 30, 2021. In 2020, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with NaphCare, met 100% of the 37 essential standards and 19 important standards required to receive its third reaccreditation, effective June 11, 2020. The NCCHC accreditation provides the Newton County Sheriff’s Office with evidence of a standards-based system of care for inmates; improved health status and outcomes; and reduced public health risks when inmates reenter the community. There are 59 individual standards, with close to 400 compliance indicators, required for full

accreditation. The Newton County Detention Center has been held the NCCHC Accreditation Standards in Health Services Award longer than any other detention facility in the country.

NCSO partners with Flock Safety to enhance public safety The Newton County Sheriff’s Office partnered with Flock Safety, a surveillance tech manufacturer, to enhance public safety and reduce crime rates within the county. Flock Safety cameras, which are placed on roadways, capture footage of license plates when a vehicle passes by the device. The footage, which is stored in the cloud, will provide the Sheriff’s Office, in addition to other law enforcement agencies, with evidence to solve numerous cases, such as aggravated assault, serial identity theft, AMBER alerts, recover stolen vehicles, and find wanted people. Additionally, Flock Safety cameras are connected to the National Crime Information Center “hot list,” and local law enforcement agencies, who have a partnership with Flock Safety, are alerted of stolen vehicles or vehicles whose owner has a warrant out for their arrest. The Cobb County Police Department saw a reduction of crime up to 64% as a result of its partnership with Flock Safety, according to a FOX 5 Atlanta article published on Nov. 1, 2019. The reduction of crime was seen in the areas surrounding Six Flags Over Georgia. Flock Safety is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and has camera systems in more than 400 cities in 35 states.

WELCOME new employees Joseph Tillman

Deddric Ridley

Detention Officer

Selvin Bruce

Stephen Bartlett

Deputy Sheriff

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

COMMITMENT loyalty sacrifice dedication www . newtonsheriffga . org