It has been and honor to serve as your Sheriff for nearly 12 years and I would consider it a great honor if you allow me to continue serving the community I love even longer. We have made great progress here at the Sheriff’s Office and I would like to re-cap some of those accomplishments.

By working hand in hand with our County Commission we were able to make several tremendous technological advancements such as Body Cameras, Mobile Data Terminals, a new Records Management System and Jail Management System. These all help us provide better services to the community by providing firsthand video evidence, computer aided dispatching of 911 calls, enhanced crime analysis, enhanced inmate tracking, and overall improved data management.

A few of the other technological advancements include:

• Power DMS is a software program which aids in managing critical Sheriff’s Office data such as policy, promotions, training, and state certification.
• The “Sheriff to Citizen” portal provides for online crime reporting, list of inmates in custody, daily crime events and crime maps
• Crime Analysis has been improved with the development of a dedicated criminal intelligence unit. The unit focuses specifically on using the most advanced law enforcement technology to identify crime trends and examine electronic evidence.
• Online Warrants has been implemented. This system allows deputies to obtain warrants from magistrate court judges via teleconference or online submission.
• The electronic subpoena (E-subpoena) system was implemented in conjunction with the District Attorney’s Office and Solicitors Office. This allows officers to be subpoenaed for court via electronic service rather than a hard copy paper service thereby saving time and resources.

Additional areas of advancement include:

• Improved school security by enhancing our partnership with the Hall County School System by adding four roving school resources officers. Additionally, we added three school K9’s which are handled by SRO’s.
• Established a resiliency and mentorship program to help employees deal with the extremely stressful situations they may encounter daily.
• Improved mental health services at the jail by creating a dedicated mental health wing and continuing to develop the REACT program with AVITA mental health. This continues to be a work in progress as many of those incarcerated have underlying mental health issues.
• Focused our Patrol and Traffic Enforcement Unit on reducing fatality motor vehicles crashes. This was extremely successful as fatalities were reduced by 53% from 2022 to 2023. We had 34 fatality MVA’s in 2022 and this was reduced to 16 in 2023.

We now have the safest and most modern fleet of patrol vehicles in Sheriff’s Office history. This will continue to be a priority of my administration as older/higher mileage vehicles are replaced with newer/safer vehicles.

Another area we continue to improve upon is training. One of my continuing goals is to have the most modern and comprehensive law enforcement training complex in Georgia here in Hall County. We must constantly invest in the training and professional development of our employees. This is essential for building an ethical, competent, and accountable work force that is dedicated to serving and protecting the community we serve.

The most valuable resource of the Sheriff’s Office is our dedicated employees. We recently celebrated the many successes of our employees with an awards ceremony. Our employees received a total of 36 medals. They consisted of 1 purple heart medal, 3 medals of valor, 5 medals of bravery, 2 distinguished service medals, and 25 life savings medals. Sixty-nine employees received the Sheriff’s commendation for a total of 105 awards.

An ongoing goal as Sheriff is to make sure we take care of these men and women who put their lives on the line every day. First responders choose a career of service before self. They face many challenges, difficulties, and untold stressors that thankfully few other people ever must experience. We must work with our Commissioners and the State to improve pay and benefits for all first responders. Let’s make sure we place the right value on our first responders by providing ample pay and benefits for the risks and hardships they face every day.  

I wanted to close by recognizing the ultimate sacrifice made by three fine deputies who gave their all for the community they loved. In 2019 Deputy Blane Dixon was tragically shot and killed by an armed assailant. He died doing his best to keep our community safe and secure. In 2020 Lt. Brian McNair passed away after contracting COVID. In 2021 School Resource Officer Cris Bachelor passed away after contracting COVID. While many people were able to limit their exposure and shelter at home during the pandemic, first responders did not have that ability. Call for service had to be answered, the jail had to operate 24/7, the courthouse had to function, and first responders had to respond. We can never thank those deputies and their families for the ultimate sacrifice they made or fill the void left by their absence.

These deputies will always remain in our hearts. I can say without a doubt the outpouring of love and support from our community was tremendous. We are and will remain “Hall County Strong!”

Accomplishments

2023

1. Intelligence Unit – Continue to develop and upgrade the intelligence unit by adding additional flock camera systems (36) and solidify pricing under one contract agreement. Additional cameras to be added in the future to enhance investigative actions. Upgraded CellBrite system to more advanced software with increased capabilities has been used to better assist all areas of investigations.
2. Large evidence/vehicle processing building – Began Construction on multi-purpose building for use by CSI and other units for large evidence processing.
3. Started WANTED WEDNESDAY – Sheriff’s Office began highlighting individuals with outstanding warrants on Wednesday.  We featured 92 individuals with warrants since we started the feature this past April. With 46 arrests, the success rate is at an even 50% for the year.
4. HCSO 101 – Introduced in June 2023. Short video features basic info on Sheriff’s Office operations.
5. Resiliency and Mentorship Program – Began developing these programs in 2023 with full implementation expected in early 2024.
6. K-9 Teams Improvements– Added three (3) K-9s to the Hall County School System
7. Special Investigations Unit –The SIU investigates criminal gangs, illegal drugs, property crimes, vice crimes, and computer crimes. This was the result of combining the Property Unit and MANS Unit after the Gainesville Police were no longer able to supply manpower for the MANS Unit.
8. New Courthouse camera system – improved courthouse security by covering previous blind spots and adding coverage for the parking deck. 
9. Improved mental health service at the jail thru mutual REACT program with AVITA and strategically transitioned A-3 floor into a mental health area.
10. Moved Quartermaster to a larger and more functional building – Fire Station was remodeled and updated.
11. HEAT grant – The HEAT grant went into effect in October 2022.  We saw the effect of the HEAT grant after the full year of 2023.  Our DUI arrests went from 538 in 2022, to 768 in 2023.  In addition, the traffic unit started a monthly crash analysis.  Using this analysis we concentrated traffic enforcement in problem areas, utilizing the HEAT unit, Traffic Unit, and patrol zone units.  This combined effort help achieve the ultimate goal of reducing fatality motor vehicle crashes.  Hall County had 34 fatality MVAs in 2022.  This was reduced to 16 in 2023, effectively reducing fatalities by 53%.
12. Roving SROs for Hall County’s elementary schools – We now have three roving SROs assigned to the SRO unit for the elementary schools.  One was just hired on January 16, 2024 and will complete the Uniformed Patrol FTO program before starting his official duties.  There is a planned 4^th position to be added in 2024.  In addition, two drug detection K9s were added to the SRO unit.  One went to LCCA and the other went to East Hall High School.

2022

1. Ensure new supervisors receive leadership and management training on leadership (including Professional Management Program, Supervision/Management offered through GPSTC).
   1. 78% of Patrol Lieutenants have completed Management Levels I-III.
2. Encourage all patrol deputies to obtain a minimum of 80 hours of Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) annually. The following training goals were also accomplished.
   1. 79% of the employees achieved the recommended 80 hours of POST training. The average deputy obtained 154 hours of training. 
   2. During 2022 the division increased their training in Crisis Intervention Training, Dynamics of Vehicle Pursuit, EVOC 2, and Precision Immobilization Techniques by 31%.
   3. The Patrol Division identified a list of recommended “Core Classes,” such as Standardized Field Sobriety and Advanced Report Writing, and encouraged new and inexperienced deputies to complete these during their first two years of service.
   4. The Patrol Division identified and trained three supervisors on Mobile Field Force to implement quarterly training.
3. Equipment and Personnel
   1. Obtained an additional drug detection K9, with K9 Pickup and dual kennel.
   2. The Patrol Division added one HEAT grant position and a Sergeants position in the traffic unit.
4. Continue to work closely with Criminal Investigations (CID) and Central Communications to determine the areas within the county with the greatest need of patrol services.
   1. The Uniformed Patrol Division will be working closely with Property Crimes and the Crime Analysis team to identify areas of concentration for burglary suppression.
5. Improve, prioritize and utilize current crime analysis to reduce property crimes.
   1. Identify a crime analysis that deputies can utilize to focus on problem areas within the county that need special attention relating to theft, etc.
   2. Continue to utilize the FLOCK system to assist with investigations.
6. Determine and analyze deputies average response times, their total time spent on calls and make any necessary adjustments to provide the citizens with the best service.
   1. Continue to evaluate priority calls vs non-priority calls in each zone, in conjunction with the deputy’s response times to determine if the zone boundaries need to be adjusted.  
7.  Focus on traffic safety and ways to decrease the recent statewide increase in traffic fatalities.
   1. The traffic unit is fully staffed, including five Traffic Deputies, three HEAT Deputies, one Sergeant and one Lieutenant. 
   2. The HEAT grant was submitted and approved in February and implemented in October of 2022.  
   3. To strategically assign deputies to specific areas that crash analysis data recommends to reduce crashes and fatalities.

2021

1. Purchased needed equipment for courthouse employees to include gas masks for use during civil unrest or building emergencies, and self-aid tourniquets for each employee.
2. Purchased handheld mirrors for checking under vehicles, benches, etc. for enhanced courthouse security.
3. Completed construction and successfully opened a secure employee entrance for the main courthouse. This should decrease wait time at the primary entrance.
4. Criminal Investigations personnel were united under one roof after the 3^rd floor build out was completed increasing the flow of information between disciplines.
5. Began participating in the FLOCK camera program, which quickly grew to over 20 cameras used to track vehicle movements related to criminal activity, which have been paramount in the solving of various crimes.
6. Dedicated three drug agents to the Department of Homeland Security Drug Task Force, which allows us to participate in higher-level drug investigations, which can be very impactful when combating the local drug problem.
7. Licensed three additional drone pilots and began the use of an FPV (first-person view) drone in barricaded subject call-outs.
8. Ensure new supervisors receive proper training on leadership and management (including Professional Management Program, Supervision/Management offered through GPSTC)
9. Continue to develop an effective FTO program to train new deputies
   1. Sergeant Sherrill has continued to develop and improve the FTO Program and make sure all observation reports are recorded for new deputies.  Sergeant Sherrill is also building out the new FTO computer program to better track trainees.
10. Utilize up to date crime analysis to target high crime areas
    1. Continuing to utilize Daily Crime Bulletin to focus on problem areas within the county that need special attention relating to entering autos and thefts.
11. Determine and analyze average response times, total time spent on calls and make any necessary adjustment.
12. Review staffing assignments to ensure that each uniformed patrol shift always has adequate officers on duty in order to provide the best response available
13. Focus on traffic safety and ways to decrease the recent statewide increase in traffic fatalities
    1. Currently deploying 9 radar signs in numerous areas of the county for traffic safety.
14. Restructured supervisors by relocating Assistant Commanders to HQ and assigning Lieutenants to Precincts.
15. Completed the 2017 HEAT Grant requirements.
16. East Precinct completed renovations and staffed.
17. Hall County deputies occupy North and South radio channels independently. Allows for faster and smoother radio communications.
18. K-9 added so all 4 shifts in Patrol have a bloodhound/handler assigned.

2020

1. Tasers issued to all courthouse deputies
2. New BAND-IT system purchased for Annex courthouse
3. Explosive bunker that houses training material for detection K-9’s replaced
4. Installed secure garage door to include computer, monitor, and software as well as a new control panel (upgraded) in the control room of the main courthouse.

2019

1. Body Cameras were fully deployed to frontline deputies – this provides for better documentation of events for training, evaluation, compiling reports, and court presentation.
2. Interview Rooms were outfitted with updated audio and video equipment which aids in capturing the minute details of a criminal interview.
3. Power DMS is a software program which went live in 2019 that aids in managing critical Sheriff’s Office data such as policy, promotions, training, and state certification.
4. The “Sheriff to Citizen” portal went live in 2019 which provides for online crime reporting, list of inmates in custody, daily crime events and crime maps
5. Crime Analysis has been improved as the information in our new RMS continues to increase allowing us to have a better focus on higher crime areas.
6. Online Warrants has been implemented. This system allows deputies to obtain warrants from magistrate court judges via teleconference or online submission.
7. The electronic subpoena (E-subpoena) system was implemented in conjunction with the District Attorney’s Office and Solicitors Office.  This allows officers to be subpoenaed for court via electronic service rather than a hard copy paper service thereby saving time and resources.

2018

1. The Firing Range portion of new training complex was completed which was funded almost entirely by federal funds. The new range has an electronic targeting system which allows for double the capacity of the existing range and expanded training options. 
2. Remodeled current range (WBTC) and added electronic turning target system.
3. A new Patrol boat was purchased which will enhance our abilities to respond to incidents on Lake Lanier.  In conjunction with the new boat we added a full time marine patrol officer specifically assigned to handle lake patrols and maintain the patrol boat.
4. Continuing to update our fleet – best and safest fleet we have ever had at this point – need to continue replacing outdated vehicles.
5. A full time recruiter position was created which has helped minimize current jailer and deputy openings.
6. A new Records Management System and Jail Management System was implemented which has been in the planning stages for several years. 
7. Body cams and Tasers have been approved in late 2018 and were put into service in early 2019.
8. The Sheriff’s Office Courthouse Christmas Bicycle Fund raised in excess of $10,000 through the annual car show and donations. Courthouse personnel purchased and then gave away more than 117 bicycles, helmets and gift cards to families in need.
9. The Court House Annex was opened and staffed which helped alleviate overcrowding in the main courthouse.
10. Obtained an additional bomb detection canine for the courthouse and completed handler training.
11. Successfully graduated 22 citizens from the Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy
12. In the Jail we were able to add uninterruptible power sources to ensure the jail control rooms will operate if loss of power occurs.
13. Jail cooling tower upgrades were made which included the purchase of an electronic over flow valve to assist in water loss for the facility and the purchase of an economizer for the chiller to improve energy and cost saving
14. The inmate property system was upgraded which allows for better organization and tracking of items.
15. Three new jail transport vans with AED’s in each van were added to allow for safer transport of inmates and officers.
16. We were able to send 29 cadets to Georgia POST mandate school.
17. The inmate pod video visitation system was installed.
18. New jail kitchen equipment had to be purchased to replace worn out items – tilt skillet, 2 ovens, and deep fryer
19. The Jail is adding the Vine System for those who are hearing impaired – due to be installed early 2019.
20. The Bonding company email system was implemented to improve the release and notification process.
21. The firearms lockers in sally port had to be replaced as the old ones were worn out. This provides for better firearms security.
22. The interior inmate pods were painted.
23. The wrap restraint system was purchased to assist with controlling suicidal or violent inmates.

2016 – 2017

1. Added video visitation facility at the jail to provide a more secure environment for inmate visits.
2. Added storage facility at the jail to move storage items out of interior usable space– archives, etc. Will also house our specialized vehicles – command post, bearcat, boat, etc.
3. In-Progress – Obtained $1.7 Million dollars from FBI to build new range facility which will have advanced turning target system and long distance range. Grading completed late 2017.
4. Remodeled current range (WBTC) and added electronic turning target system.
5. In-Progress– Remodeling current range (WBTC) to accommodate satellite Police Academy. Will save substantially in academy fees associated with room and board.
6. Reworked jail parking to add additional spaces and make more secure.
7. New Sheriff’s HQ on Brown’s Bridge Road completed. Making most of our SPLOST funds by use of inmate and employee labor. The HQ cost approximately $100 per square foot while most buildings of this type cost substantially more.

Hall County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Center

50,000 square feet

Cost: $4,500,000

Cost per square foot: approximately $100.00

City of Gainesville Public Safety Building

52,000 square feet

Cost: $20,400,000

Cost per square foot: $392.00

Information obtained from: Gainesville Times, Gainesville to Celebrate New Public Safety Center, Gainesville Times November 30, 2010.

Hall County Correctional Center and Transitional Center

28,000 square feet

Cost: $3,600,000

Cost per square foot: $128.00