2013 Annual Report - DeKalb County Sheriff Office

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OUR MISSION
DeKalb County citizens want to live in a secure community while preserving their constitutional freedoms.
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office balances these ideals: protecting the County from criminals and
simultaneously respecting the legal rights and dignity of each person we serve. Every day, we look for
new opportunities to improve the way that we perform our duties, combining better technology,
tactics, and teamwork with our commitment to service.
The Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer in the county. Our office works in
cooperation with local police departments, state bureaus, and federal agencies to:
• Serve and process warrants, bringing offenders to justice.
• House inmates safely and securely in the DeKalb County Jail.
• Protect DeKalb County courtrooms, judges, and legal participants.
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has as its mission to espouse ethics,
honesty, openness, and fairness in its work. In this, our annual report, we
invite you to learn about the standard of excellence we hold and how we
are utilizing our resources in an effective and efficient manner.
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TRANSFORMATION AND TRANSITION:
THE FUTURE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT:
Sheriff Brown’s Message
Sheriff Mann’s Message
“I want to thank you, and all of DeKalb County,
for electing me to four terms as your sheriff.
It has been the greatest honor of my career.”
Organizations succeed by having a shared dedication to excellence. Receiving the Triple Crown Award
from the National Sheriffs’ Association shows that the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has accomplished
this goal: becoming a unified, professional organization dedicated to the highest standards.
As I prepare to transition to a new role of service, I’ve had the opportunity to consider
highlights of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office from the past 13 years.
We’ve established the highest professional standards. The National Sheriffs’
Association has acknowledged our achievements with the coveted Triple Crown Award.
This accreditation ensures that you receive the best services possible, and it protects the
county from litigation and financial hardship. Learn more on page 16.
We have created a dynamic, unified, and effective organization. Mentorship and
training allow us to promote from within. I am proud of the number of women in key
leadership positions and the degree of talent at all levels.
We have improved security and safety while cutting costs and inefficiency. Explore
examples throughout this report, such as our video visitation system. This technology
makes it possible for inmates to have monitored, virtual visits with less manpower and
risk. It’s also expected to generate $1.7 million for taxpayers in the first year.
I credit our successes in part to the freedom that you have given DKSO to operate its
own budget. Managing resources makes us accountable for our work and lets us address
our most important needs moving forward.
FPO
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Now, it’s time to do even more. Our officers face serious challenges every day, from serving warrants on
offenders to keeping the peace within our courts to managing a jail population the size of a small city.
Your support and the dedication of our team allow us to meet these challenges.
MOVING FORWARD, MY GOALS INCLUDE:
Maintaining an efficient, financially
responsible budget. We will take every
measure to cut costs, improve efficiency, and
offer transparency. With ongoing funding
from the county, we will continue to provide
the highest level of service.
It is my privilege to serve as your new
sheriff. I’m committed to continuing
the excellent work of this office and
to protecting you and all of DeKalb
County’s citizens.”
An increased focus on recruitment, training, and development. We will further systematize the
mentorship and skill building that is the key to creating the next leaders of our office.
Continued investment in technology solutions. Projects such as converting our jail’s surveillance
system to digital cut costs and increase safety for our officers and inmates.
Expanding recidivism programs. To reduce the crime rate, we want inmates to leave our jail better than
when they arrive. The Sheriff’s Office will create new, effective initiatives for curbing criminal offenses.
To that end, I am proud to welcome Jeffrey Mann as our new sheriff. His distinguished
record, respected reputation, and forward-looking approach give me great confidence
in our future.
Ongoing development of community partnerships. We have already established key relationships
with Emory University’s School of Medicine, the DeKalb County Board of Health, and AID Atlanta in
our response to HIV/AIDS and infectious disease. We will continue creating valuable partnerships with
community organizations.
Thank you again for the opportunity to serve and for your support of the DeKalb County
Sheriff’s Office. Our work and commitment continues.
These measures and many others will join our ongoing work to keep our community safe.
Thank you for your continued support and for the opportunity to lead as your new sheriff.
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FIELD DIVISION
There’s no such thing as a simple arrest. When law enforcement officers knock on a
door to bring someone into custody, they don’t know whether that person is going to
cooperate, flee, or fight. The training, resources, and dedication of our officers allow the
Field Division to conduct this work effectively and safely.
The Field Division is comprised of two main bodies. Its Uniform Section is the main
law enforcement branch of the Sheriff’s Office. We work with DeKalb Police and other
counties to enforce state laws, carry out county ordinances, and bring offenders into
custody. Our Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team—trained and equipped to
handle some of the most dangerous situations—supports the section.
The Field Division’s second body, the Criminal Process Section,
combines several forces:
The Fugitive Squad makes arrests on major felony cases such as murder, aggravated
assault, and rape. We often work undercover to track down wanted suspects.
Our Domestic Violence Unit serves temporary protective orders and provides security
and transportation to shelters for battered spouses and children.
We are constantly out in the community serving warrants and
reacting quickly to situations. This type of law enforcement
presence helps us to protect DeKalb County citizens.”
Major Robert Sims
Captain Pamela Miller
Field Division Commander
Assistant Division Commander
Deputy J. Green , speaking about the ongoing work of Field Division officers.
In 2013, the Uniform
Section endeavored almost
34,000
times on criminal warrants.
The Criminal Process
Section arrested
182 FUGITIVES
from justice this year.
Learn more about the
Field Division in the
Accomplishments and
Accreditations section
(page 16).
The Sex Offender Registry and Tracking (SORT) Unit serves warrants, apprehends
sex offenders who fail to register, and keeps law enforcement agencies and citizens
informed through OffenderWatch®.
Our Warrant Unit processes criminal warrants and arrests reports, and we
coordinate intelligence with other agencies. The unit also responds to public
requests for information.
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COURT DIVISION
Our judicial system relies on having a safe venue for legal cases. From judges
and jurors to inmates and visitors, the Sheriff’s Office Court Division offers
security to all to ensure these constitutional liberties.
We protect those inside the DeKalb County Superior, Magistrate, Juvenile,
Recorders, and Probate Courts as well as the Court Division Complex.
Our officers manage crowd control and building access, keep unauthorized
weapons out, and guard offenders in a safe and humane manner.
A big part of our job is providing a coordinated and collaborative
effort to protect our courts, judges, citizens, and other people
involved in trials. When you have standards and expectations, it
makes you feel confident about what you’re doing.”
Deputy J. Nguyen
,
on the Court Division’s role in serving the public and
safeguarding DeKalb County’s judicial system.
Total inmate court
transports this year,
including arrests:
30,433
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Court visitors
protected by the
Sheriff’s Office in 2013:
1,481,472
Explore the Court Division’s
work in greater detail in
the Accomplishments and
Accreditations section
(page 16).
Transporting inmates is an essential part of this work. The Court Division
coordinates with the Jail Division to verify inmate identities and to transport
individuals to court. We use high security standards at every stage, from
researching criminal offenses and gang affiliations to documenting medical
conditions and providing appropriate care during transportation.
Major Larry Tolbert
Captain Ruth Stringer
Court Division Commander
Assistant Division Commander
The Court Division also manages the bonding process with the Jail Division.
We ensure the accuracy of bonds and issue checks to the division, and we
monitor bonding companies to make certain that they adhere to our ethical and
legal standards.
Finally, our division includes the Civil Process Unit. Our staff serves civil
process documents, collects fees owed to the county, and transfers them to
the county’s general operating fund. In 2013, we returned almost $500,000 to
DeKalb County taxpayers.
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JAIL DIVISION
Imagine a job in which you are responsible for the care, feeding, and well-being of thousands of people.
Now, imagine that many of these individuals are violent inmates and repeat offenders.
Every day, the Sheriff’s Office Jail Division safeguards those under our care while maintaining order, ensuring
safety of our fellow officers, and protecting the DeKalb County community.
We are succeeding in this challenge. Our continued accreditation by the American Correctional Association
(ACA) and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) demonstrate our commitment to
the highest professional standards (explore accreditation on page 16.)
This accomplishment was all the more notable given the numbers we face. This year, 35,972 inmates were
housed in the DeKalb County Jail. At any given time, our average population was 2,623 with an average
stay of 29 days. This regular turnover and
the volume of inmates mean that we must
constantly adapt to changing circumstances.
Inmate health services include:
medical, dental,
prescription, and
mental health
support.
The best part of my job is the unity and
the camaraderie. Our officers come
together as one no matter how big or
small the situation is. We come up with
a strategy, and we go forward with it.”
Sergeant Angela Poole ,
Learn more about inmate
services and inmate
health on pages 12 and 13.
describing her work with the Jail Division and its approach
to safeguarding inmates in the DeKalb County Jail.
The Jail Division is about more than keeping
inmates locked up in this “city within a
city,” however. We assist inmates with
a variety of needs, from dietary
requirements to medical care to
religious-based requests.
In addition, the DeKalb County
Sheriff’s Office aims to be a positive
force by preventing future crimes.
That’s why we offer programs that
allow inmates to better themselves and
prepare for life after jail. These include
General Educational Development
(GED), work release, and substance
abuse services.
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Captain Kim Billups
Captain Billi Akins
Major Reginald Scandrett
Captain Lydia Edmonson
Captain Roderick Morgan
Assistant Division
Commander
Assistant Division
Commander
Jail Division Commander
Assistant Division
Commander
Assistant Division
Commander
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INMATE HEALTH SERVICES
The Sheriff’s Office is charged with providing complete health services for the inmates under
our care, including pharmaceutical, medical, mental health, and dental services. The National
Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) continues to recognize our dedication
to this goal through professional accreditation. Explore how we are doing our part in fiscal
responsibility, quality care of inmates, and crime reduction.
Electronic Medical Requests
Inmates can confidentially request health services through an electronic form on the inmate
video visitation monitor. This eliminates extensive paperwork so that DeKalb County Jail
inmates can receive medical care faster.
Electronic Medical Records
The Sheriff’s Office is enjoying its second year of a fully integrated electronic medical
records system. Now, hospitals as well as health care providers within the agency can
receive up-to-date patient information within minutes.
DEKALB COUNTY JAIL SERVICES
Video Visitation System
Escorting and transporting inmates are a significant
expense, create risk to officers, and cause hardship for
visitors from outside of DeKalb County. In response,
the Sheriff’s Office has installed a video visitation
system that is expected to generate nearly $1.7 million
for taxpayers in the first year. Family and friends
can now video conference with an inmate from any
location during scheduled visitation times.
Online Payment for Commissary Services
The Sheriff’s Office now offers an online payment
system for families of inmates, which limits fraud,
paperwork, and inconvenience.
Legal Library
Inmates may access legal texts, support materials, and
photocopy and notary services.
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General Educational Development (GED)
The DeKalb County Jail, in partnership with Georgia
Piedmont Technical College, helps inmates to
certify high school-level academic skills. 49 students
graduated from the program in 2013.
Work Release
The Sheriff’s Office collaborates with judges to
manage this program. It allows participants to meet
their financial obligations through work supporting
the county.
Vocational Training
This 10-to-12 week program from the Sheriff’s Office
and DeKalb Workforce Development helps inmates
train in and plan for post-release employment,
housing, and other needs.
In the last decade, more than
2,000 inmates
have graduated from our
GED program.
218
appointments were
completed by our in-house
dialysis unit in 2013.
Start Treatment and Recovery Today (S.T.A.R.T.)
S.T.A.R.T. assists felony substance abuse offenders who have had multiple incarcerations
with treatment and recovery. They spend six months in our custody and receive continued
care through the DeKalb Addiction Clinic. The program includes HIV risk
reduction, education, and life-skill building.
Diversion Treatment Court
The Sheriff’s Office works with the court system to help
individuals who may benefit from mental health treatment as an
alternative to jail. Citizens with mental illness are released into
treatment programs with extensive court oversight and
bond instructions.
Drug Court
The Sheriff’s Office participates in the
DeKalb County Drug Court. The court
addresses underlying addiction issues when
sentencing non-violent criminal offenders.
The program is designed to prevent future
crimes and to save thousands of dollars for
the jail and taxpayers.
Tameca Blossomgame
Health Services
Coordinator
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ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
SHERIFF’S RESERVE UNIT
AND VOLUNTEERS
Our officers want
to keep serving
the community
the way they’ve
been doing for the
past twenty-five or
thirty years.”
Major Leonard Rasheed
Reserve Unit Commander
Xernia Fortson
Director of Administration
& Legal Affairs
The Administrative Division
coordinates litigation; oversees
contract compliance and
procurement; handles labor
and employee relations; and
oversees other sections that
support our office’s mission,
such as Human Resources,
Information Systems, and
Inmate Healthcare Services.
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OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
TRAINING SECTION
The strength of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office comes from the quality
of its officers and staff and the principles to which they adhere. The Office of
Professional Standards (OPS) helps ensure this integrity through investigation,
coordination, and recruitment.
The Training Section provides ongoing development for officers,
supervisors, civilian employees, and vendors.
Our Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) covers a
variety of skills and allows officers to earn increasing levels of
certification. Training includes:
OPS includes two separate units. The Investigative Unit, commonly known
as Internal Affairs, explores and makes recommendations about employee
misconduct. The Background and Recruitment Unit attracts new candidates
for sworn and citizen roles with the Sheriff’s Office.
OPS balances the need for staffing with a thorough application process to find
the best candidates possible. Recruitment includes:
• Background interviews, voice analysis, and fingerprinting.
• Contacting references, including friends and previous employers.
• First-hand exposure in the field or jail facility.
The Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit is made up of
volunteers—often retired sheriff’s deputies or
police officers—who maintain their certifications
so they can continue contributing to DeKalb
County. Their service is varied but often includes:
• Providing security for the Recorders Court.
• Overseeing court-ordered work release.
• Offering motor escort service.
• Interpersonal relations and communicating with citizens.
• Leading youth programs to support
at-risk teens.
• Criminal procedure, verbal judo, and advanced traffic law.
Major Wanda Collins
Commander, Office of
Professional Standards
• Defensive measures and firearms training.
The Training Section also houses one of
the region’s few Basic Jail Academies,
certified by the P.O.S.T. Council. The academy
teaches standard jail operations and legal
requirements, and it allows recruits to gain
hands-on experience with our jail facility.
Captain Laura Roscoe
Training Section
Commander
Citizen volunteers also assist the Sheriff’s
Office. Chaplains provide jail inmates with
interdenominational services and counseling, and
senior volunteers from Lou Walker Senior Center
fill positions in our front office. In 2013, reserve
deputies worked a total of 7,298 hours and saved
taxpayers an estimated $226,000.
Hiring for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is an extensive but rewarding exercise.
Our selection process has helped limit turnover and develop an experienced team;
47% of employees have been with the Sheriff’s Office for 10 years or more.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND ACCREDITATIONS IN 2013
The Triple Crown Award
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office demonstrates its
commitment to the highest professional standards
again with the Triple Crown Award.
The National Sheriffs’ Association recognized less than 40 sheriff’s offices out
of more than 3,500 throughout the country. DeKalb County has maintained its
Triple Crown Status since 2008 by being simultaneously accredited by three
nationwide bodies:
• The American Correctional Association (ACA).
• The National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHAC).
• The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
Accreditation requires an external audit in which peers evaluate the Sheriff’s
Office to ensure that we are maintaining a balance between protecting the public
and safeguarding staff, inmates, and offenders.
Accreditations last three years and provide several benefits: a safer community
and a safer jail environment; lower risk of lawsuits against the county; fewer
liability insurance costs; and a culture of excellence inside the Sheriff’s Office.
Field Division
The Field Division’s Uniform Section arrested a total of 3,734 individuals on
crimes ranging from murder, aggravated assault, and armed robbery to family
violence, computer theft, and criminal trespassing.
The Field Division’s Uniform Section endeavored almost 34,000 times to pursue
criminal warrants in 2013. Warrant endeavors often require extensive planning,
resources, and equipment to protect officers and citizens from the actions of
dangerous individuals.
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The Field Division’s Criminal Process Section endeavored on 5,241 fugitive,
sex offender, in-house fugitive, and domestic violence warrants in 2013.
Officers face dangerous conditions to safeguard the community from the
worst offenders.
The Criminal Process Section made 182 arrests of fugitives from justice,
61 arrests for aggravated assault, and 50 arrests for armed robbery.
Each Halloween, the Field Division pools its resources and partners with the
Georgia Bureau of investigation to target sex offenders and to get non-complying
individuals out of our community.
Court Division
The Court Division maintained a safe and secure Recorder’s Court during
its 2013 renovation and expansion without increasing overtime.
The DeKalb County Jail GED program was the first of its kind
in any Georgia jail.
The Court Division reduced courtroom security overtime hours by 10%
from 2012.
Each month, an average of 3,579 inmates attended religious services
offered by the DeKalb County Jail.
Our division adopted a family from drug court as a show of community
support this Christmas.
The Jail Division offers use of its kitchen
facility several times a year to partner
with “Hosea Feed The Hungry.”
The Field Division has saved the county $24,000 by digitally delivering
information for the sex offender registry to DeKalb area municipalities.
We executed 26 Superior Court Writs of Possession.
The Field Division negotiated down the cost
of criminal investigation software,
saving 20% per year.
We made 2,856 total statewide transports for a total of 172,914 miles.
In 2013, the Sheriff’s Office purchased—at no cost to
taxpayers—Level II tactical vests; Protech Intruder
shields; and Special Forces Liberator II tactical
headsets to protect our team members.
The Civil Process Unit cleared 3,198 out of 3,642 civil papers.
Administrative Division
The Civil Process Unit collected $499,811.96 for the county in 2013,
including criminal FiFas, sheriff sales, service fees, and bond issue fees.
The Administrative Division successfully implemented both
Video Visitation Systems and an Inmate Telephone System in 2013.
Jail Division
We implemented electronic booking and lobby kiosks to track the flow
of money from the public and incarcerated individuals.
In 2013, the Jail Division housed an average of 2,623 inmates at any given
time. Throughout the year, we admitted 35,972 inmates and released 33,767.
The division upgraded security surveillance system throughout
the jail complex.
The average length of an inmate’s stay was 29 days.
The DeKalb County Jail provides a variety of healthcare services to inmates,
including general medical, dental, psychiatric, mental health, and
prescription services.
The Field Division arranged
for a discounted cost with
its extradited prisoner
transportation provider for
a 17% savings per mile.
In 2013, the Sheriff’s Office
was able to upgrade 320
H&K weapons for all of its
sworn officers to the latest
model Glock without cost to
the taxpayers.
The division transported 30,433 inmates this year, including arrests.
We protected a grand total of 1,481,472 visitors at all courts.
413 inmates participated in the S.T.A.R.T. program in 2013.
In the last ten years, more than 2,000 inmates have
graduated from the GED program.
The Jail Emergency Services Team is
trained and equipped to handle high-risk
situations within the jail, control inmate
behavior, and prevent contraband.
The DeKalb County Jail includes an in-house, full-service dialysis unit
complete with a renal doctor and nurses. We completed 218 dialysis
appointments in 2013.
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BUDGETING AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Personnel Services
Vehicle Maintenance Costs
Though understaffed, the Sheriff’s Office worked as an effective unit to
safeguard DeKalb County, from the sworn officers securing our jail and
courts to the civilian staff running warrant checks and orchestrating
the bond process. Personnel services includes annual salaries, overtime,
pension contributions, and other compensation.
Our office uses 122 marked and unmarked vehicles to serve warrants,
arrest criminals, assist in administrative duties, and support undercover
officers. The Sheriff’s Office fleet maintenance unit maintains vehicles to
help get the most life from our investment.
Inmate Healthcare Services
2013 Budget:
$77,575,791.00
2013 Actual Expenditures
$77,264,197.79
The DeKalb County Jail’s health care for inmates covers medical, dental,
mental health, pharmacy, and pharmacist services. In 2013, we provided
32,921 intake screenings, 13,066 mental health contacts, 8,724 chronic
care patient visits, and 218 dialysis trips (in-house). Prisoner healthrelated grievances have decreased by 54% since 2012.
Maintenance Services
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office maintains its investments in
infrastructure and equipment with the help of an in-house facility
maintenance company.
Food Services
In 2013, the DeKalb County Jail served over 10,000 meals per day.
Coordinating and securing this effort is a tremendous undertaking.
Operating Supplies
From routine office supplies and postage to investigation and audit
services, the Sheriff’s Office is responsible for managing a variety of
materials and vendors. Budgeting for these resources ensures that
officers and civilian staff can work effectively.
Utility Costs
Electricity. Natural gas. Diesel fuel. These utilities are important to
many organizations, but they are mission-critical to the DeKalb County
Sheriff’s Office. From keeping the lights on in our Court Services facility
to maintaining power in the DeKalb County Jail during inclement
weather, our utilities allow us to provide services around the clock.
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Uniform Costs
The Sheriff’s Office purchases uniforms and duty gear for sworn officers,
outfits civilian employees (such as warrant technicians), and provides
inmates with uniforms. We protect the budget by employing an on-site
seamstress instead of sending uniforms offsite for repair.
Telecommunication Services
Communication is essential to our work. In addition to land lines, long
distance, cellular service, and internet, we also support the community
with the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) data line and Victim
Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) System.
Grant Match Funds
Periodically, the Sheriff’s Office receives grants for special projects or
programs that require us to provide matching funds. These opportunities
allow us to invest in substance abuse programs, protective equipment,
and other law enforcement needs.
Extradition of Inmates
When there is an outstanding DeKalb County warrant for an out-of-state
inmate, the Sheriff’s Office arranges that person’s transportation back
to Georgia. We coordinate with extradition companies and other law
enforcement offices, seeking the most efficient way to get the job done.
Training and Conferences
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office provides ongoing skill building and
development for sworn and civilian employees. All sworn individuals
are required to have 20 hours of training per year. All personnel working
with and within the Jail Division are required to have 40 hours of
training each year.
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DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office
4415 Memorial Drive
Decatur, GA 30032
(404) 298-8100
www.dekalbsheriff.org
www.facebook.com/sheriff.j.mann
Created & Printed in DeKalb County
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