NCSO SEPTEMBER 2021 NEWSLETTER
A MOMENT WITH NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH September is an extraordinary month that encompasses an abundance of notable days. In this message, I want to highlight a very significant issue and successive observation period that occurs in the month of September, which in my opinion, is extremely important, and one that we all should possess an appreciable knowledge: National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This year, it is observed on the dates of September 4th through September 10th. Suicide is the willful and voluntary act of a person who understands the physical nature of the act, and by same, intends to accomplish the result of self-destruction. A suicide attempt is when a person harms himself/herself with the intent of terminating his/ her life, but do not expire as a result of their failed action. It is crucial that we understand that suicide is a severe public health challenge that can possess longterm harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. There are numerous factors that contribute to suicide; therefore, the aim of suicide prevention is to reduce elements that escalate risk and increase facets that promote resilience. It is also essential to know that many factors can increase the risk of suicide or defend against it. Suicide is connected to other forms of injury and violence. For example, individuals who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence, possess an advanced suicide risk. Persons allied to family and community support, and possess effortless access to health care, can reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It is beneficial to note that the overall suicide rate has increased 35% since 1999. According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It is the 2nd leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34. Forty-six (46) percent of people who expire by suicide are diagnosed with a mental health condition, and 90% of people who perish by suicide have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. 78% of all people who die by suicide are male. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual young people who are rejected by their families or their families failed to
accept them are over eight times more likely to attempt suicide than those whose families accept them. Transgender persons are 12 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population. The CDC catalogues some relatively thought-provoking statistics, and I want to share a few of them with you: • Every day, approximately 130 Americans die by suicide • There is one death by suicide in the US every 11 minutes • Suicide claims the lives in excess of 48,500 Americans every year • There is one suicide for every estimated 25 suicide attempts • There is one suicide for every estimated 4 suicide attempts among the elderly • Suicide rates among the elderly are highest for those who are divorced or widowed • Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide in the world each year, which is roughly one death every 40 seconds • Firearms are the most commonly used method of suicide among males (51%) • Females are more likely than males to have had suicidal thoughts • The greatest increase in suicide occurs in males 50+ (30 per 100,000) • Suicide rates for males are highest among those aged 75+ (36 per 100,000) • Females attempt suicide 3x’s as often as males. • Suicide rates for females are highest among those aged 45-54 (9 per 100,000) • Poisoning is the most common method of suicide for females • The prevalence of suicidal thoughts, suicidal planning and suicide attempts is significantly higher among adults aged 18-29 than those age 30+ • Depression affects 20-25% of Americans ages 18+ in a given year • Each time an LGBTQ person is a victim of physical or verbal harassment or abuse, they become 2.5x more likely to hurt themselves
SHERIFF BROWN There are some behaviors that may indicate a person is at immediate risk for suicide. The following three behaviors should prompt officers or deputies to take action immediately: • Expressing a desire to die or kill himself/herself • Examining a method to kill himself/herself, such as searching online or obtaining a gun • Communicating about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live Other behaviors may also indicate a serious risk, especially if the behavior is new; has increased; and/ or appears to be related to a painful event, loss or change. Ask if the individual has been behaving in any of the following manners: • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain • Talking about being a burden to others • Increase in the use of alcohol or drugs • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly • Sleeping too little or too much • Withdrawing or feeling isolated • Exhibiting rage or speaking about seeking revenge • Displaying extreme mood swings Note: The above adapted from National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, n.d. Particular difficulties may increase an individual’s risk for suicide. Asking if the person possesses any of these risk factors can assist you in assessing the current situation more precisely and enable you to provide comprehensive information to medical staff. Some of the most significant risk factors to inquire about are: • Prior suicide attempt(s)
Sheriff Ezell Brown Newton County, Georgia
• Alcohol and drug abuse • Mood and anxiety disorders, e.g., depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) • Access to a means to kill himself/herself, i.e., lethal means For those needing immediate support during difficult times, I highly urge you to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides emotional support to those in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. It is a national network of more than 180 local crisis centers, comining customized local care and resources with national standards and best practices, as stated on the organization’s offical website. To learn more about the Lifeline, visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Thank you for your dedication and hard work, as we progress through the next three months of this challenging year. May God bless each of you and your families, and keep you safely in His care.
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 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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contact numbers
GENERAL INFORMATION SHERIFF’S SECRETARY JAIL INFORMATION INVESTIGATIONS PATROL UNIT TRAFFIC UNIT WARRANT UNIT WEST SIDE PRECINCT EAST SIDE PRECINCT TIP LINE
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678-625-1403 678-625-1401 678-625-1420 678-625-1412 678-625-1410 678-625-1469 678-625-1411 770-788-7812 770-243-8227 678-625-5007
@newtonsheriffga Featured Photos: Sheriff Ezell Brown presents a folded flag to Deputy Tremelle Riley during the memorial service of K-9 Tom-Tom on Sept. 10, 2021 (top left); Maj. Sammy Banks presents Cpl. George Jefferson with a promotion order, signed by Sheriff Brown, on Sept. 10, 2021 (top right); Sheriff Brown, Chaplain Tongela Smith, ACTION, Inc., and seven inmate residents pose for a group photo following the first graduation ceremony for #1 Dads, a new jail-based program, on Sept. 30, 2021 (bottom).
REMEMBERING 9/11: THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY As I sit and reflect on that dreadful and somber day in September 2001, when our nation experienced the deadliest terror attacks ever to occur on American soil, it becomes extremely difficult for me as a law enforcement officer to control the tears in my eyes. On that tragic Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, 23 police officers from the New York City Police Department, 37 police officers of the Port Authorities of New York and New Jersey, one patrolman from the New York Fire Patrol, three New York State Court Officers, 343 New York City Firefighters, and eight emergency medical technicians and paramedics from private emergency medical services, made the ultimate sacrifice during rescue efforts. Additionally, 2,338 other citizens died at the World Trade Center Twin Towers; 40 passengers and crew members perished aboard hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 when it crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania; and 184 people were killed when hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon building in Washington,
DC. Countless other victims and first responders continue to expire due to 9/11 related illnesses. On the 20th anniversary of this devastating event, I want to take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the families of all the victims who lost their lives as a result of these gruesome attacks. In addition, my sincere thanks and appreciation are conveyed to every law enforcement officer and other first responders, who sacrifice their lives each day in an effort to serve and protect the citizens of this great nation. Respectfully,
Ezell Brown Sheriff
ncso hosts memorial service for k-9 tom-tom
On Sept. 10, 2021, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office held a memorial service for the late K-9 Tom-Tom at the Judge Horace J. Johnson, Jr. Judicial Center in Covington, Georgia. K-9 Tom-Tom, a German Shorthaired Pointer, passed away on Aug. 30, 2021. He was rained to detect explosives and served his Newton County community for two years alongside his handler, Deputy Tremelle Riley. “Our sincere thanks and appreciation are conveyed to all the wonderful friends, family, coworkers, and citizens of Newton County for the outpouring of love and encouragement you exhibited toward our sweet Tom-Tom,” the Riley family stated. “We are eternally grateful for your kindness and support.” Those in attendance at the memorial service included Sheriff Ezell Brown, Judge Ken Wynne, Father M. Edwin Beckham of Good Shepherd Covington, Judge Melanie Bell, and the Conyers Police K-9 Unit. Special acknowledgments were given to Dr. Miller, UGA College of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Shiver, Animal Medical of Covington; Wheeler PETuary and Judge Melanie Bell.
ncso graduates seven inmate residents from new detention center program On September 30, 2021, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office graduated seven inmate residents from its first ACTION, Inc.’s Fatherhood Program, #1 Dads. The jail-based program, #1 Dads, is designed to strengthen, establish, or reestablish relationships between an adult father and his children, or a father and his spouse/partner and their children. The program promotes responsible fatherhood, healthy marriage, and economic stability through the provision of worship, case management, and job skills training. “I am delighted on our agency’s partnership with ACTION, Incorporated, to help address the needs of our inmate residents who are fathers and promote a positive change in our Newton County community,” said Sheriff Ezell Brown. “I congratulate each and every one of our fathers who graduated from our first #1 Dads program. Also, I thank all those who provided support and encouragement to these fathers during the last six weeks.” The #1 Dads program assists fathers incarcerated in the criminal justice system with ACTION, Inc’s 12-county service area across North Georgia. To learn more about the #1 Dads program, visit https://actionathens.org.
sheriff promotes deputy jefferson to corporal Sheriff Ezell Brown promoted Deputy George Jefferson to the rank of Corporal on Sept. 10, 2021. Cpl. Jefferson has been with the Sheriff’s Office for 17 years, having begun his career in 2004. Prior to his promotion, he served as a school resource officer.
ncso hosts neighborhood watch meeting On Sept. 28, 2021, Deputies Tim Smith, Michael Gregg, and Susan Young met with the residents of Ashley Meadows to discuss the Newton County Sheriff’s Office’s Neighborhood Watch program. Neighborhood Watch was designed to bring citizens and law enforcement agencies together to deter crime and make communities safer. For those interested in having a representative from the Sheriff’s Office give a presentation to their neighborhood, call 678-625-1400.
meet the sheriff’s office administration intern Sharon Reed, who goes by her middle name of “Rose,” is a 21-year-old native of Coudersport, Pennslyvania. She moved to the state of Georgia in 2015. She is currently a senior at Valdosta State University, where she is studying criminal justice. In the future, Reed hopes to become a police officer for a big, bustling city, where she plans to rank up to a major felony investigator. Currently, she works part-time on top of roofs, where she assembles, removes, repairs, and cleans out gutters, downspouts, and gutter guards. Reed loves listening to music, being outdoors, working out, spending time with her family and friends, and hanging out with her cat, Yui, and dogs Gizmo, Carly, and Baron. In September 2021, Reed began interning with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. She was assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Administration.
WELCOME new employees Willie Gaines
Carletta Lamar
Deputy Sheriff, Recruit
Detention Officer
Spencer Williams Detention Officer
Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office welcome you!
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