Tuesday's Bainbridge Rotary heard Decatur County Sheriff Wiley Griffin describe the responsibilities and services the Sheriff's Department now provides. Sheriff Griffin, a Rotarian, stated that the number one priority is protecting the citizens of the county and their property.
Sheriff Griffin began by praising Chief Deputy Jim Morris who has been with the Sheriff's Office for over 30 years. He stated Jim Morris has served as Chief Deputy under 3 Sheriffs and has served the citizens of Decatur County well.
Sheriff Griffin, elected to Sheriff in 1999, stated that when he first became Sheriff there were only eight deputies on patrol. Today, the twenty deputies patrolling provides the county with much greater coverage.
Sheriff Griffin also spoke about the changes in the office that have occurred over the years. He stated that in the late 90's the Decatur County Sheriff's Office responded to approximately 7,500 calls per year. In 2007, 16,600 calls were dispatched by 911 to the Sheriff's Office.
The number of certified officers has risen from 19 to 36. Lt. James Spooner is the commander of the Special Response Team and also serves as the in-house training officer. Lt. Rick Ashley works as the Violence Against Women's Act investigator. Sgt. Elizabeth Croley is the Victim's Advocate. Capt. Cecilia Willis is the Computer Information Specialist and works with many prgrams including NCIC/GCIC.
Sgt. Ed Moorhead and Cpl. Michael Logue work with their K-9 partners, Jake and Koti, focus on drug interdiction and Lt. Chip Nix and Investigator Pat Trolinger primarily work drug cases. Capt. Gale Bowyer is the crime scene specialist.
Sheriff Griffin stated his office has also implemented many programs the public may not know about, but are important to Decatur County:
CHAMPS (Choosing Health Activities and Methods Promoting Safety)
When the DARE program was cut, Sheriff Griffin and four other counties initiated this program in elementary schools targeting fifth graders. Today the program has expanded to forty counties and Sgt. Chad Bennett works full time with the youth on the CHAMPS program.
SADD (Students Against Distructive Decisions)
The Sheriff's Office was instrumental in forming the local SADD chapter at Bainbridge High School and also works with them in activities such as seatbelt and license checks. The program allows students hand on experience of the road check process. These activities are required by the grant that funds the BHS SADD chapter. Recently, Allyson Lumpkin was selected as one of twelve students from across the country to serve on the National SADD council.
Drug Awareness
The Sheriff's Office speaks before churches and civic organization familiarizing adults and youth about drug awareness of both legal and illegal drugs.
Alcohol Awareness
During the spring, before prom, the Sheriff's Office brings in speakers regarding the issues of driving while drinking. Last year's speaker was Chris Sandy, who was convicted of vehiclular homicide. This year, before Spring Break, the Sheriff's Office is working with the SADD chapter to bring in another motivational speaker.
Internet Safety
It will state mandated that schools teach internet safety. The Sheriff's Office has already taught Internet Safety at West Bainbridge School and in the CHAMPS classes.
Personal Safety
This program teaches children and adults how to avoid dangerous situations including keeping children safe from sexual predators.
Child Fingerprinting
Child fingerprinting is done at area businesses. The fingerprints are given to parents and guardians to keep in case of an emergency.
Child Passenger Safety Seat Installation Instruction
Several deputies are certified to instruct parents, grandparents and childcare givers in the proper way to install child safety seats. In 2007 the Sheriff's Office received a national award.
Identity Theft Prevention
The fastest growing crime in the United States, this program teaches residents how not bo become a victim.
Firearms Training for Women
The class is taught by Lt. James Spooner and familiarizes women with guns and the proper shooting and handling techniques.
Sex Offender Registry
The Sex Offender Registy is maintained by the Sheriff's Office. The monitor the 60 sex offenders currently in the county including residence, employment, photographs, criminal history and other descriptors.
The Sheriff's Office transports over 300 people each year from Decatur County to mental health facilities in Thomasville, Milledgeville, Columbus, Atlanta and Valdosta. Deputies also provide security for Superior Court, State Court, Juvenile Court, DFCS Court, Child Support Enforcement Court, Magistrate Court and Civil Courts.
Sheriff Griffin also stated that deputies hand delivered over 12,000 papers each year, 9,000 civil papers and 3,000 subpoenas. The Sheriff's Office is also responsible for the County jail.
