Towns County Sheriff’s Office deems “Operation Trial Run” a success
News April 21, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office conducted a drug operation dubbed “Operation Trial Run” consisting of a seven month drug investigation in which undercover agents, along with uniformed patrol officers, arrested suspects throughout the county on various drug and other related offenses. The operation was a seven month evaluation, beginning in May of 2018, running through January, 2019, with the department using an in-house drug agent to aid in the investigations.
Towns Sheriff’s Office reached out to District Attorney Jeff Langley and Union County Sheriff Mack Mason, along with Union’s Drug Unit Supervisor Chad Deyton and other drug agents, for initial assistance in casting the operation off to a productive start. The sheriff’s office stated that Deyton, along with the other agents, provided guidance and direction as to how the unit operated, additionally assisting with some of the early investigations.
Sheriff Chris Clinton with District Attorney Jeff Langley
During the seven month “Operation Trial Run” investigation, 37 suspects were arrested on over 150 drug and additional various charges. Numerous search warrants were acquired and executed throughout Towns County during the operation. A total of more than $81,000 worth of illegal drugs were taken off the streets and from residences throughout the county.
“Operation Trial Run” resulted in the seizures of a residential home, vehicles, cash, and firearms valued at more than $322,000. Once the seizures have been successfully completed and awarded back to the sheriff’s office, the funds can be used for law enforcement purposes to combat illegal activity within the county.
According to Towns County Sheriff’s Office, “Operation Trial Run” proved to be “very successful.” The agency stated that it has and will continue to operate with an in-house drug agent, and additional suspects have since been arrested and more seizures made, with other arrests and seizures forthcoming in the near future.
“In combatting the drugs activity in our communities, our job is staying focused on getting the bad guy off the street at the end of the day, and not worrying about who gets the credit. This is what makes for truly successful investigations,” Towns County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Terry Connor said. “The Towns County Sheriff’s Office would like to express their sincere appreciation to all departments and law enforcement agencies that has assisted in ‘Operation Trial Run’ which has made it a success: Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office, Towns County Commissioner’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Appalachian Drug Task Force, Hiawassee Police Department, and Clay County (North Carolina) Sheriff’s Office.”
Towns County deputy who bypassed fatal BOLO released Silvers night before crash
Investigative Report, News March 9, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – FYN uncovered troubling new details leading to the Feb. 23 accident that left one man dead, two victims injured, and a 911 caller in need of trauma therapy.
On the evening of Terry Silvers’ fatal crash, an unresponsive be-on-the-lookout (BOLO) was issued by Towns County 911 to Towns County Sheriff’s Office. In the dispatched audio recently released by FYN, a siren can be heard passing a 911 caller who pursued Silvers’ vehicle into North Carolina, initiating an urgent call for law enforcement’s help.
FYN recently discovered that the same Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputy who did not respond to the turned-fatal BOLO was the deputy who released Silvers the night before tragedy struck. Towns County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Greg Joseph, also known as 112, bypassed the frantic 911 caller in order to respond to a possible prowler on Clark Drive in eastern Towns County. Deputy “112” released Silvers the previous night following an accident on Bugscuffle Road in Hiawassee.
Terry Silvers, in a photo submitted by his daughter, Amber
FYN received inside information that Towns County Sheriff’s Office Deputy 116, Eddie Spradlin, the county officer heard chastising the 911 dispatcher for issuing the BOLO on the released tape, requested the specific assistance of Hiawassee Police Department in response to the possible prowler. Towns County Sheriff’s Office dual, on-duty deputies were assigned to eastern and western zones.
A Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputy and Hiawassee Police Department officer were already on scene, actively clearing the residence, at the time the unanswered BOLO was issued for Silvers’ vehicle, prior to the deadly accident.
According to a local newspaper, Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton stated that Deputy 112 Joseph was responding to provide back-up for the “only other deputy on duty,” referencing the possible prowler call as the reason that the BOLO was ignored. What Sheriff Clinton failed to mention was that not one, but two law enforcement officers were already on scene, securing the residence. “While we cannot possibly be there in time to prevent every tragedy, our deputies do a superb job of protecting our community with the resources available,” the sheriff is quoted as saying in the March 6 publication, “They perform their duties at the highest levels of professionalism, and they care deeply about our community and the safety of all citizens.”
While FYN remains strong advocates of law enforcement, FYN’s questions concerning the Silvers’ case remain unanswered by Towns County Sheriff’s Office.
On March 8, Sheriff Clinton published Deputy 112 Joseph’s body camera footage from Silvers’ Bugscuffle accident on the evening prior to the fatal crash. Despite testimonies from witnesses claimimg that Silvers’ was clearly in no condition to drive, Silvers was released without charges by Towns County Sheriff’s Office. As previously reported by FYN, multiple individuals have come forth to claim that Silvers was repeatedly released by Towns County Sheriff’s Office despite evident impairment following numerous accidents. In combination with widespread knowledge of Silvers’ opioid use, citizens are questioning why law enforcement failed to take a proactive role. In the published footage, Deputy 112 Joseph states that he has responded to accidents involving Silvers in the past while the tow truck operator on scene later questions Silvers’ sobriety. “Mr. Silvers, how many wrecks you going to have on this road?” the deputy asked. Silvers was administered an alcohol sensor and horizonal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test, and released without charges the night prior to his death.
FYN discovered that Silvers was arrested in May 2008, by Hiawassee Police Department for driving under the influence of opioids. According to the arrest report, former Hiawassee Chief Jimmy Wright performed a HGN test which Silvers failed. In the report, the late chief stated that Silvers exhibited evident disorientation and slurred speech.
In a social media post attached to the body camera footage, Sheriff Clinton stated in relation to the unresponsive BOLO that never was “a judgement call made by anyone employed by, supervised by, or otherwise under the control or responsibility of the Sheriff of Towns County.” Clinton seemingly shifted blame to Towns County 911, causing online outrage in response.
An administrator with Towns County Sheriff’s Office added comments concerning the department’s need for back-up without acknowledging the fact that a Hiawassee Police Department officer was on scene. In addition, the sheriff’s administrator provided an informational link in a seeming attempt to disassociate the sheriff’s office from Towns County 911. UPDATE: Following the release of this article, the sheriff’s administrator deleted comments made.
In accordance with state law, FYN filed a simple, open records request with Towns County Sheriff’s Office March 6 for the written report on the prowler incident. Towns County Sheriff’s Office replied that due to increased prisioner transport to the courthouse, the department’s road patrol lieutenant and captain had not yet approved the report, and that it will not be available for release until as late as March 15.
Georgia’s Open Records Act allows a maximum of 72 hours for delivery of public records, or a viable reason as to why they cannot be produced.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office has not responded to FYN’s requests for comment on Silvers’ case.
WSB-TV and 11 Alive news in Atlanta have taken interest in FYN’s investigation.
Hiawassee Police Department asks for community’s help with Yellow Dot Program
News February 26, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith is asking for the public’s assistance in fostering a program proven to save lives. Georgia’s Yellow Dot program offers an envelope packet to citizens over the age of 55, free of charge, for residents to list basic information that may be critical for first responders in the event of a medical emergency,
The Yellow Dot program is a partnership between the Georgia Department of Public Health and Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services. The program will initially supply 1500 packets, in increments of 500, to the City of Hiawassee for if the community shows increasing interest in the initiative.
Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith
Chief Smith is asking for local businesses, civic organizations, and area churches to partner with Hiawassee Police Department in the life-saving project. While the amount of envelopes offered may seem like enough to provide for seniors, Smith explained that it is recommended that residents place one packet in their home, and another in the glove box of their vehicle.
The packet includes a form to add important information, such as medical conditions, medications, and emergency contacts. A bright, yellow sticker is included to affix to the outside of homes and vehicles to alert first responders that the information is available.
Community members interested in partnering with the Hiawassee Police Department can receive additional information from Hiawassee City Hall.
Burglary suspect arrested in alleged Hiawassee theft
News September 16, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a residence on State Highway 76 in Hiawassee Wednesday, Sept. 11 in reference to a reported burglary. Upon arrival, deputies met with the homeowners who advised a white male had entered the residence, leaving the area on foot. A lookoiut was placed on the subject and a perimeter was formed by law enforcement. A deputy located the suspect at a Hiawassee restaurant shorthy thereafter. The items reported as stolen from the residence were recovered with the exception of a cellular phone.
Hubert Gibson, 54, of Blue Ridge, GA was identified as the suspect involved.
Gibson was arrested without incident and charged with burglary, theft by taking, and criminal trespass.
Towns County Sheriff’s Offiice extends appreciation to Hiawassee Police Department for their assistance in seachung the area for the suspect. The case will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Gibson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Hiawassee Police Department participates in city clean-up efforts
News May 24, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith put the city department’s new utility task vehicle (UTV) to good use May 21 by joining in the efforts to keep Hiawassee pristine. The litter shown in the feature image was collected by Chief Smith along a one-mile stretch on South Main Street on Tuesday. Smith, a humble, community-minded public servant, can often be found bettering the city in ways beyond law enforcement.
“We need your help to keep our town beautiful and trash free,” the police chief asked citizens. “Don’t leave loose trash in the bed of trucks that can fly out. Keep a grocery bag in your vehicle as a trash can that you can easily throw out at home when it is full.”
Cheif Smith, keeping the town square clean, during an event last summer
Hiawassee Police Department’s UTV was purchased with funds from the agency’s calendar sales, Smith told FYN. Businesses purchase advertising space, creating additional revenue for the five officer division. The task vehicle will be utilized for patrol duties during events.
Employees of the City of Hiawassee regularly engage in litter pick-up around the town, per request of Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales, although Smith said his department’s clean-up effort was self-initiated.
Chief Smith explained the illegality of littering:
“During the process of cleaning our streets, if we locate trash that has a name on it, we can charge the owner for the litter,” Chief Smith said. “OCGA § 16-7-44(b) states: ‘…whenever any litter which is dumped, deposited, thrown, or left on public or private property in violation of Code Section 16-7-43 is discovered to contain any article or articles, including but not limited to letters, bills, publications, or other writings which display the name of a person thereon in such a manner as to indicate that the article belongs or belonged to such person, the trier of fact may in its discretion and in consideration of the totality of the circumstances infer that such person has violated this part.’ Most people do not throw trash out the window when there’s a patrol car behind them, so it is often difficult for a law enforcement officer to catch someone in the act of littering. When we do charge someone with littering, the judge has the ability to sentence the person to clean one mile of the roadway on which they littered (§ 16-7-43(b)(2)(A)). By serving our community and voluntarily picking up trash, the police department is able to charge the offenders who then have to clean up after themselves and others.”
UPDATED: Overturned truck blocks through traffic on State Route 76, east of Hiawassee
News March 27, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – A construction truck hauling asphalt overturned while headed eastbound from Hiawassee, near Abe Cove Road on State Route 76, shortly before 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 27.
Towns County Fire and Rescue reported that the driver did not sustain significant injuries, adding that the accident was likely due to muddy conditions on the shoulder of the roadway.
Hiawassee Police Department informed that State Route 76 will be temporarily closed to through traffic while the truck is removed. At 2:02 p.m. traffic was reported as backed up for approximately one mile, eastbound.
UPDATED: Traffic began flowing at approximately 2:45 p.m.
Area’s premier CBD shop opens in Hiawassee
News November 21, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Randal Forehand and Vicky Bateman, owners of Natures Health and Body, celebrated the grand opening of the area’s first retailer dedicated to hemp-based CBD oil products, Wednesday, Nov. 20. CBD is the medical abbreviation for cannabidiol, one of the primary active compounds derived from cannabis plants. The extracted compound is highly acclaimed by many consumers to relieve a wide range of ailments, from pain and anxiety to sleep disorders and opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Rules and restrictions must be followed as per Section 7606 of the 2014 Farm Bill, according to the USDA.
The city’s first-of-its-kind shop, located at 77 River Street in Hiawassee, features an array of homeopathic products including tinctures, salves, powders, and serums in various potencies. Forehand explained that while federal law allows products to contain a maximum of 3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol – commonly known as THC, a psychoactive, “high” producing component found in marijuana – Natures Health and Body’s merchandise is 100% THC-free certified. The products are sourced solely from industrial hemp suppliers and lab-tested to ensure compliance, quality, and safety. The products are produced from hemp grown in the United States, Canada, Europe, or Australia, and have a fully traceable history of seed and strain, Forehand said.
Information discussed with Natures Health and Body regarding CBD oil.
“Our mission is the proliferation of information and education about hemp and what hemp extracts can give you and the world,” the owners-operators of Natures Health & Body state. “We accomplish our mission by only allowing legitimate, caring and passionate growers, processors, suppliers, and providers of hemp products to be offered to you. Our mission is basically around the fact that there are ‘good’ people and ‘bad’ people in the industry, and we will shield you from the bad ones. That is our promise. Keeping with our promise and our mission, our vendors and suppliers that come to Natures Health and Body want to help you as much as we do, first and foremost, and that is a fact.”
CBD oil distribution is federally-legal in all 50 U.S. states, with a maximum amount of 20 ounces permitted for personal possession in Georgia. Customers must be at least 18 years of age to purchase CBD products.
FYN contacted Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith to gain local law enforcement’s perspective on the city-based business. “I spoke with the shop owner,” Smith said. “He provided lab work that showed that the products have 0% THC. A prescription card is required for Low THC Oil, which is defined as ‘oil that contains an amount of cannabidiol and not more than 5 percent by weight of tetrahydrocannabinol, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, or a combination of tetrahydrocannabinol and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid.'” Smith stated that Hiawassee Police Department “will not fine or arrest anyone in possession of a legal product.”
Forehand and Bateman encourages the public to visit the newly-opened location to learn about their holistic products and the hemp-industry as a whole.
Additional information on Natures Health and Body is available online.
Feature Image: Vicky Bateman and Randall Foreman, owners of Natures Health and Body.
Defendant in aggravated assault case enters plea, sentenced to serve three years
News June 12, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Jacob Lea Rose, a Hiawassee resident arrested for numerous crimes in late-2018 by Hiawassee Police Department, plead guilty to aggravated asault charges, Friday, May 31. Rose is set to serve three years of a ten year sentence, Towns County’s Clerk of Court’s Office told FYN. Charged by law enforcement with crimes ranging from previous methamphetamine possession, aggravated stalking, interfering with a 911 call, and cruelty to children, in connection to a domestic violence incident, additional charges on Rose were dismissed in exchange for a guilty plea on the assault charge.
“(The victim) stated she tried to leave the residence with (the children) and Mr. Rose caught her on the front porch of the residence, and used his hand to grab her around her throat, and began strangling her,” Hiawassee Police Department wrote in the December incident report. “(The victim) stated she was able to escape from Mr. Rose only to be caught by him again next to the van he had driven them to the house in which was parked in the driveway. (The victim) stated while next to the van, Mr. Rose used his hand, grabbed her around her throat, and began strangling her again while he banged her head against the side of the van. (The victim) stated when she was able to get away from Mr. Rose, she ran inside into the living room area of her home to get her cell phone to call 911. (The victim) stated while attempting to call 911, Mr. Rose grabbed the cell phone out of her hand, threw, and smashed the cell phone on the ground, breaking it. (The victim) stated after Mr. Rose broke her phone, he again used his hand to grab her around the throat and punched her in the face and head area several times. (The victim) stated both the family violence battery incident on the front porch, and the family violence incident in the living room of the residence, took place in the presence of (the children).”
Four months prior to the domestic dispute, Rose was arrested for methamphetamine possession, drug related objects, and driving on a suspended license by Hiawassee Police Department.
Hiawassee traffic stop nets three drug arrests
News May 3, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Department arrested and charged three suspects with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug-related objects shortly after noon on Sunday, April 28. An officer with the city law enforcement agency conducted a search after stopping a red Chevrolet S-10 for an expired license plate, near Valero gas station on State Route 76.
A portion of Towns County Sheriff’s Office arrest report
Robert David West, 40, of Hiawassee, was the driver of the vehicle at the time the traffic stop was initiated. Passengers included Mindy Lynn Taschner, 47, and Michael Cale Bowers, 25.
Hiawassee Police Department executed a probable cause-based search of the vehicle upon detecting the odor of marijuana, leading to the discovery of methamphetamine and drug-related objects. The three suspects were taken into custody and transported to Towns County Detention Center, each independently charged with possession of a controlled substance. The driver of the vehicle was additionally charged with an expired registration.
Michael Cale Bowers
The case will be submitted to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Hiawassee Police Department schedules advanced drug impairment detection training
City Police, News March 29, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Department recently scheduled Advanced Roadside Impairment Detection Enforcement (ARIDE) training for May 23 – 24 at Hiawassee City Hall, The 16-hour course is designed to enhance law enforcement officers’ ability to recognize psychophysical and clinical indicators of impairment consistent with a subject who is under the influence of drugs, or a combination of drugs and alcohol, while taking appropriate action.
“A training officer with the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, GA contacted Sgt. Travis Gibson with the Clayton Police Department, seeking a location in North Georgia to host the class” Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith told FYN “Sgt. Gibson, a part time officer with Hiawassee Police Department, requested the use of the Training Room at the Hiawassee City Hall for the two day course. The class is open to all law enforcement officers who wish to attend. Sgt. Gibson, a Drug Recognition Expert, will be one of the two instructors.”
The course builds upon skills learned in Standard Field Sobriety Testing training in which law enforcement officers focus on identifying and assessing motorists suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, Smith said. The purpose is to reduce the amount of impaired drivers, and in turn, lessen impaired driving collisions.
The two-day ARIDE course is free of charge for qualified law enforcement officers. Prior DUI – Standard Field Sobriety Testing training is required.
South Florida agency donates equipment to Hiawassee Police Department
City Police, News March 19, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Sunny Isles Beach City Manager Christopher Russo and Deputy City Manager Stan Morris made the trip from South Florida to Hiawassee on March 14, 2019 to present Chief Paul Smith and Mayor Liz Ordiales with a donated police vehicle. The Ford Explorer, which is fully equipped with lights and siren, was delivered to Hiawassee by a Sunny Isles Beach PD officer who made the trip two days earlier. Mr. Russo had learned of the need for updated and additional vehicles from articles in a publication and from Russo’s retired Police Chief, Fred Maas, who now resides in Towns County. The rest was due to the benevolence of the City Commission of Sunny Isles Beach, under the direction and approval of Mayor Bud Scholl.
Mr. Russo and Chief Maas are firm believers in helping brother law enforcement agencies in today’s crime prevention and community policing endeavors. Similar assistance was given this past Christmas season with Hiawassee’s Shop with a Hero program. Chief Maas and Chief Smith have met several times to discuss the issues facing law enforcement in Towns County. “Police work is environmental to the area in many cases, but it is also fundamentally similar in all areas as well. Whether it be narcotics issues, domestic violence issues, the opioid crisis, or traffic issues, all agencies face similar challenges,” Maas said. “So, we surely want to share what we can to assist the Chief and officers in their day to day efforts.”
In addition to the vehicle, Sunny Isle Beach donated six Pro Laser III LIDAR (light detection and ranging) speed detection devices. “All of our vehicles are equipped with RADAR speed detection devices,” Chief Smith advised. “However, the Pro Laser III is a handheld LIDAR device which will allow us to more easily target problem speeding areas to address the concerns of the public. Since we now have one more LIDAR unit than we can use, we will pay it forward and donate the extra to another local department. We are incredibly grateful to the City of Sunny Isles Beach for their generous donations.” Smith also expressed his gratitude to the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, who donated a prisoner partition from their surplus equipment, to be installed in the new vehicle.
Sunny Isles Beach is an oceanside community located on the north end of Miami Beach, Florida. The city council is known for their outstanding support of their police department, and by their actions via the donation of equipment to Hiawassee PD, have clearly shown their support of law enforcement efforts beyond South Florida.
Featured Photo: (L-R) Sgt. Plesa, Chief Snyder, Commissioner Lama, Vice Mayor Svechin, Mayor Scholl, Commissioner Goldman, Commissioner Viscarra, and Captain Grandinetti
(Photo courtesy of Sunny Isles Beach)
Hiawassee suspect arrested on methamphetamine charges
City Police, News September 24, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Randall Leo McNabb, 61, of Hiawassee was arrested Monday afternoon, Sept. 16, on methamphetamine charges. According to the police report obtained by FetchYourNews, a subject who was later identified by authorities as McNabb appeared to be avoiding a Towns County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy when Hiawassee Police Department was notified of the suspicious behavior.
Randall Leo McNabb
A traffic stop was conducted by a city police officer on a white Dodge Dakota truck on Bell Creek Road in Hiawassee. “The reason for the stop was the upper brake light out,” Hiawassee Police Department’s report reads in part.
Upon investigation, law enforcement officers allegedly discovered a small quanity of methamphetamine and drug-related objects inside of McNabb’s vehicle. McNabb was taken into custody without incident, and charged with the following crimes:
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Possession of drug-related objects
- Possession and use of drug-related objects
The case will be forwarded to Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. McNabb is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Click for additional Towns County news
Two arrested on drug charges at local fire station
City Police, News September 18, 2019
HIAWASSEE, GA. – Two suspects were taken into custody by Hiawassee Police Department on methamphetamine charges outside of Towns County Fire Station 1 on Sims Circle during the early morning hours of Saturday, Sept. 14. Towns County 911 received a call from one of the subjects who stated concern for the second subject’s safety. Hiawassee Police Department was dispatched to the location of the complaint. Towns County Sheriff’s Office assisted the city police agency on scene.
Alexander Raymond Ide
Upon arrival at the Towns County Fire Station, officers questioned the subjects who, according to the police report, willfully turned over a small quantity of methamphetamine to law enforcement without incident.
The subjects were identified as Alexander Raymond Ide, 20, and Jonathan Mathis Groundwater, 32, both of Hiawassee.
Jonathan Mathis Groundwater
Ide was charged with possession of methamphetamine and drug-related objects. Groundwater was charged with possession of methamphetamine. The suspects were transported to the Towns County Detention Center. The case will be forwarded to Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Ide and Groundwater are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
According to the police report, officers had earlier encountered Ide and Groundwater at the nearby Valero gas station. The duo were asked by law enforcement to vacate the property to avoid loitering. Following their arrests, a criminal trespass warning was issued to the suspects by a Towns County deputy, advising Ide and Groundwater not to return to the fire department property in the future.
Following request for documentation on the above incident, Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith informed FetchYourNews (FYN) that three additional methamphetamine arrests had occurred in recent days within the city limits. FYN will follow-up on the subsequent arrests once the newly-requested reports are completed by the department.
Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith completes annual summer training
City Police, News July 29, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – As part of continuing education and training in the administration of law enforcement, Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith recently attended the 2019 Annual Summer Training conference sponsored by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. Heads of law enforcement agencies from throughout the state participated in the four-day conference. The Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police is responsible for the delivery of training to the chiefs of Georgia’s police departments and law enforcement agencies. Smith described the annual conference to FetchYourNews as “enlightening.”
The Summer Training Conference was held at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center July 21 through July 24. This year’s conference covered a variety of topics such as: “Advancing Officer Health & Wellness”, “Leadership Strategies for the 21st Century Police Administrator”, “Las Vegas Route 91 Harvest Festival 1 October Debrief”, “DDS Card Security for Law Enforcement”, “Next Generation of Identification (NGI) Overview”, “The Impact of Legalized Marijuana and Law Enforcement Leadership in Traffic Safety”, and “Reset The Clock: Replace Liability With Credibility – Practical Employee Relations For Leaders in Law Enforcement.”
Chief Smith was among more than 550 heads of law enforcement agencies attending the 51st Annual Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Summer Training Conference. Chief Wesley Walker of Lyons Police Department, President of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, stated, “In this new era of law enforcement, Chiefs are constantly finding new ways to manage their departments. From the type of officer we are hiring today, to the concerns of the public we serve, to the way we police has changed ever so drastically. This change has brought about new standards that are required of law enforcement. The GACP has done an excellent job in keeping up with the times and providing the necessary training and direction for the Police Chiefs of this state.
“Our Summer training conference leads the country in the caliber of instructors and material delivered to the attendees. Each one of us takes away something new and useful to complement our management styles as we return to our respective departments. The networking and knowledge of the approximately 550 attendees in those classrooms is unprecedented. The GACP continues to strive to provide the best training possible to the members of the association and be the standard for other Chief’s Associations across the country.”
Drug detection course for law enforcement cancelled in Hiawassee
News May 24, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Advanced Roadside Impairment Detection Enforcement (ARIDE) training was cancelled this week due to a lack of law enforcement officers who enrolled in the two-day course, scheduled to take place in downtown Hiawassee. A total of 13 participants from surrounding areas, including four Hiawassee Police Department officers, planned to take part in the drug detection training. The Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) required a minimum of 15 enrolled officers, however, to hold the course.
According to information received from GPSTC, no Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies signed up for the class.
In late March, Hiawassee Police Department announced their intention to host the training, May 23 – 24, held at Hiawassee City Hall. The 16-hour course was designed to enhance law enforcement officers’ ability to recognize psychophysical and clinical indicators of impairment consistent with a subject who is under the influence of drugs, or a combination of drugs and alcohol, while taking appropriate action.
“A training officer with the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, GA contacted Sgt. Travis Gibson with the Clayton Police Department, seeking a location in North Georgia to host the class” Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith told FYN in March. “Sgt. Gibson, a part time officer with Hiawassee Police Department, requested the use of the Training Room at the Hiawassee City Hall for the two day course. The class is open to all law enforcement officers who wish to attend. Sgt. Gibson, a Drug Recognition Expert, will be one of the two instructors.”
The course was intended to build upon skills learned in Standard Field Sobriety Testing training in which law enforcement officers would have focused on identifying and assessing motorists suspected of driving under the influence, Smith explained. The purpose was to reduce the amount of impaired drivers, and in turn, lessen impaired driving collisions.
The two-day ARIDE course was free of charge for qualified law enforcement officers. Prior DUI – Standard Field Sobriety Testing training was required.
Hiawassee bank employee charged with forgery, theft by taking
News April 23, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Cherish Serene Stewart, 46, of Hiawassee, was arrested and charged with five counts of forgery in the first degree, and five counts of theft by taking in excess of $1,500.
According to the arrest report obtained from Hiawassee Police Department, the date of the alleged offense was documented as occuring Dec. 21, 2018. The complainant was listed as United Community Bank. A total amount of $5,900 was recorded as allegedly stolen from United Community Bank by Stewart, via the report. A detective with Hiawassee Police Department met with the bank president March 29, upon consultation with an Enotah Judicial Circuit Assistant District Attorney, in order to acquire additional information on the investigation.
According to Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith, Enotah Judicial Circuit may claim an “open investigation/pending prosecution” case which would prevent additional details from being released at this time. FYN will update future information should it become available.
Stewart is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.