Kevin Sproul has been with the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office since 1982 and has served as sheriff since 2008.

TASERs

As the Sheriff of Dougherty County I have the opportunity to speak to many civic groups and organizations throughout our community. During these times, I am often asked questions about the operation of the Sheriff’s Office or about law enforcement issues. Lately, however, I have been asked a surprising number of questions relating to TASERs and stun guns. Many people are curious, not only about the devices being used by law enforcement, but about those available to civilians.

I think it is important for anyone who is interested to have the best, most accurate information available.  One thing I can tell you is that you will not get accurate information by watching television. The effectiveness of a TASER or stun gun is greatly dramatized on television. Do they work? Yes. Do they knock someone unconscious? No. They simply disrupt the normal electrical flow through some of the body’s nerves.

There is a difference between a TASER and a stun gun. TASERs and similar devices fire small projectiles called “probes” that are connected to the hand-held unit by small filament wires through which the energy is conducted. Stun guns are hand-held units that have stationary probes mounted on one end of the device and require the operator to place the unit in direct contact with the target in order to deliver the charge. Both units use high levels of voltage but very low amperage to achieve their effect without causing significant injury.

You can think of the body’s nerves as “internal wiring.” The energy from the TASER or stun gun passes through the tissues of the body between the probes of the device. While travelling that distance, the energy passes through nerves and then enters the body’s “wiring system,” causing the desired effect. The greater the distance between the probes, the greater the effect on the target. TASERs and similar devices which fire projectiles usually achieve greater separation of probes than stun guns. That is one reason why law enforcement prefers them. Another reason is that TASERs can be deployed from a distance, which is safer for the law enforcement officer.

Many civilians are attracted to the safety and effectiveness of TASERs as well, which generally allows the subject to be incapacitated from twice the effective distance of pepper spray. Interestingly, the TASER was originally developed for civilians, not law enforcement. The idea was to give people an option of incapacitating a subject while they escaped the situation. TASERs for civilians are generally a bit less expensive than a handgun and may be a more acceptable solution for personal safety than a deadly weapon.  More information may be found at the company’s website.

While TASERs and stun guns are not deadly weapons, they are still weapons of self defense and should be treated with respect. Anyone considering purchasing and carrying any type of weapon should become familiar with the law regarding the legal possession of the weapon they choose, as well as any locations at which such weapons are prohibited.

If you have any questions about TASERs, stun guns, or other personal safety options, please feel free to contact my office at (229) 430-6508.

Kevin Sproul has been with the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office since 1982 and has served as sheriff since 2008.

Helpful tips from Dougherty County Sheriff Kevin Sproul

Looking Back on 2011

Happy New Year! Is it just me or do you find it hard to believe that 2011 has come and gone? As we forge ahead into 2012, I want to share some of the accomplishments of the Sheriff’s Office during last year. The resilient and hard-working employees of the Sheriff’s Office endured another tough year, but as in the previous year, they stepped-up and performed at a high level of efficiency.

During the calendar year of 2011, my staff served over 8,200 criminal warrants and almost 26,000 civil papers. Putting that into perspective, during my tenure as Sheriff we have increased the number of warrants served per year by over 20% without adding additional staff. We increased the number of civil papers being served by nearly 10%, again without any additional staff.  These percentages are using my first year in office as a baseline.

In addition, we investigated over 500 criminal cases and the number of registered sex offenders managed monthly increased to over 300. Our AFIS unit worked over 1,400 cases, examined more than 5,500 pieces of evidence and made nearly 320 identifications of criminals. The criminal records section conducted over 8,200 background checks.

We assisted over 500 motorists, escorted more than 750 people to the Liberty House and similar facilities, and conducted over 30,000 drug tests of offenders.

At the jail, nearly 20,000 were processed for admission or release and nearly 103,000 visitors came to see them. The staff managed an average daily inmate population of around 920. At the Judicial Building, nearly 142,000 visitors were processed and over 2,500 items of contraband were taken. All this to assure the security of the courts where, between the Judicial Building and the jail, more than 33,500 cases were heard.

To help prevent youth from coming to jail, we conducted character education classes in the majority of Dougherty County’s elementary and middle schools and conducted nearly 50 interventions with troubled youth. We also held a youth summer camp and a variety of community events. These were all conducted without using any taxpayer dollars.

In fact, even during these difficult economic times, the Sheriff’s Office has generated over $100,000 in un-budgeted revenue for the County. We have also worked hard to assist our sister agencies with their cases, and even spelled them for awhile so that they could mourn their fallen.

Since being elected Sheriff three years ago, I have done my best to maximize the efficiency of the Sheriff’s Office while improving the level of service we provide. I have faithfully served the youth of this county and been a good steward of the taxpayers’ money. I have been a good team player with the County, other law enforcement agencies, and community organizations. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. As I seek re-election this year, I am asking you to join my team and help me to continue the work I have begun. I sincerely appreciate your support. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office at (229) 430-3259 or visit our Facebook page.

By the time you read this article, you will probably have eaten too much during the Thanksgiving holiday and might still be eating left-over turkey sandwiches. As I took time to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with my family and relatives, we discussed what we were most grateful for. I do not know about you, but sometimes I forget just how fortunate or blessed that I am, and more times than not, I take things for granted. As Sheriff of Dougherty County I have the opportunity to speak and spend time with many individuals from all walks of life. I see and hear firsthand how selfish and ungrateful some individuals can be. I cross paths with individuals who seem to complain, gripe, and fuss about any and everything they can find to talk about. I have dealt with people who were so angry and even bitter to the point that it had taken a toll on them mentally and physically. As another Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas is right around the corner, I wonder if you have given any thought to what you might be thankful for.

As my third year as Sheriff comes to a close, I want to share some of the things that I am grateful for. First and foremost, I thank God for the healthy and long life he has blessed me with. I am blessed and thankful for my wife and children who have supported me and made daily sacrifices during my 29 years in law enforcement. I am thankful for the great group of employees at the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office who work tirelessly to serve our community. I am also grateful to all of our public safety personnel from the various agencies in our area who work together to provide a safer Dougherty County. I am indebted to you the concerned citizen, and want to thank you for the support you give to the men and women in the public safety arena. I am also grateful and indebted to live in the greatest country on our planet, a country that continues to strive toward world peace. I thank every man and woman who has donned a military uniform or is currently protecting our country on the frontlines so I may enjoy my freedom. I also thank the public servants from our President and government officials on the national scene all the way down to the local level. I am also grateful for the many citizens that pray for the safety of our law enforcement personnel on a daily basis.

One of my favorite passages of scripture is found in the book of 1^st Thessalonians 5:16-18. Paul is exhorting the brethren by telling them to rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, and in everything, give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. All of us get only one opportunity at life, so remember to be thankful for each and every day that God blesses you with. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

The old adage that “time flies by the older you get” seems to be true more and more.  Autumn is already upon us and 2011 is quickly coming to a close.  But before this year is completely over, the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office wants to thank you for your support by hosting our 2^nd annual “Building Unity in the Community” cookout.  The cookout will be held on Saturday, October 8, at the Eighth Avenue ballpark from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  The Eighth Avenue Ballpark is located at 800 Eighth Avenue, which is between Slappey Dr. and Palmyra Rd.  This event is our way of saying thanks to the citizens of our community.

A sense of community is incredibly important.  The Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office began an initiative to build a stronger sense of community in Albany/Dougherty County last year by adopting the slogan “Building Unity in the Community” and launching initiatives to live up to our slogan.  We conducted our first annual BBQ at the Carver Sports Complex.  Since that event was located on the South side of town, we wanted to do this year’s event on the Northwest side.  Moving the event each year will allow a greater variety of people to take advantage of what the event has to offer.  Hopefully, as the event grows, people will want to attend each year. This will encourage people to mingle across-town in a way that builds a greater city/county-wide sense of community.

The Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office also seeks to bridge the gap between Law Enforcement and the community in many different ways and this is one of them.  Families and citizens can attend and have an opportunity to sit down and talk with Law Enforcement and other organizations that have resources available to the citizens of Albany/Dougherty County.

I want to personally thank you for your efforts in helping Dougherty County to become a safer place to call home.  I have said many times in the past that I am very fortunate and blessed to work with so many caring and supportive individuals on a daily basis at the Sheriff’s Office.  I want you to come out and meet some of these individuals and let us get to know you.  We want to hear your concerns and discuss the issues that you are dealing with.  We will have representatives from many different areas of expertise available to answer questions.  There will be representatives from other public safety agencies as well.   We will also have plenty of good food to eat as well as games and activities for the children.

The event is free to the public, however, we are accepting sponsors and/or donations to assist us in making it as successful as possible.  We also encourage vendors and community partners to assist with making this event meaningful and useful, as well as enjoyable.  If you have any questions or concerns please contact Lt. Terron Hayes at (229) 344-4363.

Kevin Sproul has been with the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office since 1982 and has served as sheriff since 2008.

Are you a man of courage? Of course, most men would answer “yes” without any hesitation. On Sept. 30, the movie “Courageous” will premier in movie theaters across the United States. I am very excited about this movie, more so than any other, due to its content and message.

Alex and Stephen Kendrick of Sherwood Pictures met with me in the fall of 2009 and shared their desire to make a movie that would encourage and challenge men to step up and be the father of their home. They also wanted approval to use the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office as the backdrop for the movie. Upon hearing this, I became emotional and excited because of my involvement over the years working with young people, especially boys that did not have a committed father in their lives.

During the past 20 years, I have had many opportunities as a coach, Sunday school teacher, or deputy sheriff to interact and work closely with boys. More than a dozen times, my wife and I have opened our home to kids who were struggling with problems. Time and time again, I saw that an absent father caused a void in the life of the child. That void often creates the exact vulnerability that gang members use to target recruits.

Study after study continues to reveal the importance of having both parents actively involved in raising their children. I know and understand the importance of having an involved and committed father because of my own father, Ralph Sproul, and the impact that he had in my life. My wife’s father, David Bullington, played a very significant role in her life as well.

Now, as sheriff, I need look no further than my own jail to find hundreds of examples of lives that went wrong due, in part, to the lack of an active father. I commend the Kendricks and Sherwood Pictures for addressing this important issue – and I have some concerns.

Many kids in fatherless homes, or homes where the father is not an active participant in the life of the child, may feel a greater sense of loss or hopelessness after watching this movie. They have probably accepted and learned to deal with their current circumstance, but watching this movie may underscore the fact that their father figure is absent. They may feel that, while the movie brings a message of hope, that message is not for them. I hope that men who see a child in a fatherless situation will step in to fill that role in a positive way.

Children should also be careful about the men who try to be involved in their lives. If the involvement encourages the child to grow, be productive, do well in school and think positively about their future, then the involvement is a good thing. If the involvement encourages the child to have anything to do with crime, drugs, or sex, the child should avoid that person.

The Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office is proud to serve the youth of our community. They are the future and we are working to make that future better.

Kevin Sproul has been with the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office since 1982 and has served as sheriff since 2008.

Summer is only a couple of months away but the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention and Intervention Unit is already planning for our 2011 C.H.A.M.P.S. Summer Camp. The Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office has either hosted or co-hosted a summer camp for the past eleven years.

Before being elected sheriff, Ted Thomas of the Dougherty County School Police, a former Albany police officer and I coordinated a six-week camp for children and teenagers known as the G.R.E.A.T. Summer Camp. Students who successfully completed the fourth, fifth or sixth grade character education component known as G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) became eligible to attend the summer camp. Since my election as sheriff, my focus has been on teaching C.H.A.M.P.S. (Choosing Healthy Activities & Methods Promoting Safety) to fifth graders in the Dougherty County School System, St. Teresa’s Catholic School, and Deerfield-Windsor School Lower Campus.

C.H.A.M.P.S. was developed by the Georgia Sheriff’s Association approximately eight years ago and has grown rapidly throughout the state, being taught by one third of sheriff’s offices in the state. The curriculum is taught to fifth graders and has 21 different modules or topics. The modules range from alcohol and drug prevention to safety issues at home and in our neighborhoods. Lieutenant Terron Hayes is the head facilitator with assistance from Major Pamela Johnson, Sergeant Santos Ruizgonzalez, Officer Vivian Hunt, and of course, yours truly. We were able to teach in 13 of Dougherty County’s 16 elementary schools this past year. We were also able to teach fifth graders at St. Teresa’s and Deerfield Windsor.

The 2011 C.H.A.M.P.S. Summer Program is one of the most comprehensive youth programs in Georgia. The camp offers diversity of both education and recreation that will enrich and enhance the lives of the children participating in the program. Law enforcement personnel from the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office and the Dougherty County School Police will supervise and also educate the youth on the dangers of drugs, involvement with gangs, bullying, peer influence, dangers of alcohol, etc. The students will have the opportunity to interact with law enforcement to ask questions and learn how to deal with various issues. The camp will also include a Summer Olympic Games competition. Open recreation will also be available each day.

The 2011 C.H.A.M.P.S. Summer Program will start on Tuesday, May 31, and will continue for six weeks, ending on Friday, July 8. Operating hours will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. An extended day service will be offered from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. This service is offered for parents that work early or get off a little later in the afternoon. A small fee does accompany this service. Lunch will be provided for all participants at no cost. Bus transportation will also be available at no cost. The age for campers will range between 10-15 years old. For more information, please contact Lt. Terron Hayes at 344-4363 or 431-2169.

Kevin Sproul has been with the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office since 1982 and has served as sheriff since 2008.

As Sheriff of Dougherty County, I would like to discuss an issue very close to each of us – crime prevention.  My office is committed to making our neighborhoods safer places to live.  By doing so, we will improve the quality of life for individuals and families; both young and old.  It is imperative that we seek progress to reduce the negative influences that crime has on our children and to help safeguard the elderly.

In the past year, this office has worked extremely hard to make significant improvements in our county.  Through community-based programs and an emphasis on professionalism, we hope to reduce crime and build safer communities for our citizens.

I personally want to thank all of you for supporting the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office in the pursuit of our goals.  I also want to thank the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association (GSA) for the support that they continue to provide by way of training, technical resources, legal and legislative support.  The GSA is the leading agency which directly supports Sheriffs’ Offices throughout the state.

Responding to the increasing number of people wanting to assist law enforcement officials and build a stronger partnership in the fight against crime, I would like to invite all Dougherty County citizens and businesses to become Honorary Members of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association.  Membership appeals will go out in the mail shortly. Individuals choosing to join the voluntary program can do so for as little as $20, while businesses can show their support for a $50 contribution.

The funding will allow the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association to continue to provide training to Sheriffs, Deputy Sheriffs, Jail Officers, Law Enforcement Chaplains, and administrative staff.  The GSA also pushes for tougher laws for criminals and fairer laws for victims.  They promote drug and gang awareness and character education training for youth and sponsor programs to build better community relations.

The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association does not solicit donations over the phone.  All contributions are tax-deductible.

Anyone interested in knowing more about this very important program may call 770-914-1076, or write to the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association at P.O. Box 1000, Stockbridge, GA 30281.  They will be glad to mail additional information to interested parties.

I strongly urge the residents of Dougherty County to consider participating in this honorable program – not only for its monetary support of law enforcement, but also for the moral support that unites us in building a safer community.  If you are already a member, thank you – and I encourage you to renew this year.  It is a valuable investment in the future.

I wanted to take this opportunity to share the accomplishments and productivity of the Sheriff’s Office during 2010. It was a difficult year economically, but the employees of the Sheriff’s Office have really stepped up and showed a level of determination and dedication that has made me very proud.

In 2009, the Sheriff’s Office served just over 6,400 criminal warrants, which is a very respectable number. In 2010 however, we were able to increase that to just over 8,400. That is an increase of over 30 percent and an average of 23 warrants per day, seven days per week, all year. The number of civil papers served totaled over 2,000 per month. That’s more than 24,000 for the year.

We also worked over 300 criminal investigations, managed over 272 registered sex offenders and electronically monitored one predator, worked over 1,600 identification cases through our AFIS unit, and made nearly 1,000 escorts to the Liberty House and similar facilities. We have conducted over 14,000 security checks on local homes, businesses and churches, and conducted more than 4,700 criminal background checks.

During all of this, our deputies still patrolled, made traffic stops, handled calls for service, and provided back-up to both the Albany and Dougherty County police departments.

Sheriff’s deputies taught over 90 character education programs (C.H.A.M.P.S., G.R.E.A.T., etc …) in the local schools, and conducted nearly 50 interventions with troubled youths.

At the Judicial Building, the Sheriff’s Office maintained the security of over 124,000 visitors, confiscating over 3,000 weapons or items of contraband in the process, and maintained security in the Courts at both the Judicial Building and the Jail during more than 30,000 cases.

At the Jail, we booked in over 9,300 inmates and had nearly 95,000 visitors. Detention staff managed an inmate population that hovered at nearly 900 inmates for most of the year. We also administered over 26,000 urinalysis drug tests.

The Sheriff’s Office Training Division provided over 850 hours of training, not only to our own staff but to law enforcement agencies from across Southwest Georgia. Over 1,900 officers and deputies were trained.

Yes, the Sheriff’s Office has had an incredible year. Sadly, we have also had to endure furloughs in the form of five unpaid holidays. The fact that my staff has performed so well in the face of stagnant pay for the past several years, and reduced pay this year, is a testament to their dedication and desire to serve this community. I hope that you honor and respect them as much as I do.

Kevin Sproul has been with the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office since 1982 and has served as sheriff since 2008.

During the holiday season, busy people intent on trying to complete their Christmas shopping may fall prey to unscrupulous criminals who skulk in mall and shopping center parking lots, doing their “shopping” from the packages placed in parked vehicles. Some foresight and planning can reduce the chances of becoming a victim during a season that should be a joyous and loving celebration.

Whenever possible try to shop with another individual especially after dark. You greatly reduce the chance of becoming a victim while shopping in pairs or even a group. When shopping, look for the best lit parking spaces. Once in your chosen space, look around before leaving your car. Is there anyone in the vicinity watching you? Do you see anyone loitering? If so, remain in your car and watch them for a moment. If they move on, that’s fine, but if not, you might consider moving to a new parking space. If you feel uncertain or unsafe about a situation you observe, take steps to move yourself to a safer location. Don’t assume you are being foolish or paranoid.

Once you are in a safer location, lock your vehicle and move quickly and confidently to the store. Would-be thieves and robbers are looking for the easiest targets. If you show that you are aware of what is happening around you and move with a sense of purpose, you are less likely to become a victim. Walk against the flow of traffic.

Keep your head up and scanning — look forward, to the right and left, and even check behind as you walk. Awareness is your greatest defense. Don’t search through a purse or bags in the parking lot. If you must look for something, make sure you are in the safety of the store before you become absorbed in your hunt for a tissue, shopping list, or other item.

If you store items in your vehicle, make sure they are covered or concealed. If you are putting bags in your vehicle and returning to shop, move your car from time to time in case someone is watching you.

Finally, if leaving late from a shopping mall or store, don’t hesitate to ask a store employee for help. Don’t accept the kind offer of the “stranger” who meets you outside the door and offers assistance. It may be a kind and generous offer, but it could also be a ploy to gain access to your belongings.

For further tips or if the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office can be of any assistance, please call 430-6508 or 431-3222. Be aware, stay safe, and have a joyous and wonderful Christmas!

Kevin Sproul has been with the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office since 1982 and has served as sheriff since 2008.

Last month, a Dougherty County man was killed by numerous bee stings after accidently disturbing a hive while operating a bulldozer.  The Georgia Department of Agriculture has determined through entomological testing that the bees in question were an Africanized strain of honeybee – the first such bees in Georgia.  These bees are identical in appearance to “normal” honeybees, but they swarm more often and are more protective of their hive than their European counterparts.

Swarms of bees are most likely to be seen in the spring and fall each year.  Swarms develop when a hive gets too full or crowded and a portion of the bees leave to form a new hive.  Since a swarm does not have a hive to protect they are generally docile and rarely sting.  However, you should treat them like any other wild animal, leave them alone!  Do not spray them with water or poison or throw anything at them.  Notify the authorities, but remember that a swarm is looking for a new home and will generally leave the area in less than 24 hours.

If you are attacked, run away or get indoors as fast as possible. Never stand in one spot and swat because this only aggravates bees further. Crushed bees release a scent that attracts and excites bees. Be aware that bees may follow you for as much as a quarter mile; that is almost the length of five football fields. Do not stop running to hide yourself because bees are likely to find you; the single most important thing is to get away from the hive.  If you can take shelter in a home or vehicle, they can offer good protection. Don’t worry about letting a few bees in as you enter, just close the door as quickly as you can to keep the swarm outside.

Just because Africanized bees have reached our area, don’t panic. We have all gotten into the habit of looking out for fire ants and poisonous snakes, now we should also be on the lookout for wild bee colonies. Never knowingly approach an occupied beehive. During daylight hours bees can be seen flying to and from their entrance.  Do not disturb a beehive. If you need it removed, call an exterminator.  Never climb a tree, kick a log or stump, or move trash until you first check if bees are flying in and out.  Operators of open-cab tractors are especially at risk from hidden in-ground colonies.

Unfortunately, many people have heard of African “killer” bees. The truth is that “killer bees” exist only in Hollywood movies. These are merely a hybrid of the African Honey Bee and the European Honey Bee.  There are some precautions that we should take, but it is the same with snakes, ants, and any other venomous creature.  Remember that regardless of the myths to the contrary, Africanized bees do not travel in angry swarms looking for unwary victims. Their venom is no more toxic than any other honeybee. They simply protect their hives from what they consider to be a threat.

If you need further information, go to the Georgia Department of Agriculture website at www.agr.georgia.gov, or you can call my office at 430-6508.