The Henry County Police Department of the State of Georgia was formed in 1991 as a response to the explosive growth that catapulted Henry County from a rural neighbor of Atlanta to its current status as one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. Henry County’s initial provider of law enforcement services was the Sheriff’s Department. However, in an effort to respond to the ever increasing needs of its developing community, the Board of Commissioners voted November 20, 1990 to establish the Henry County Police Department. Former Commissioner Jim Joyner, in explaining the reasoning behind the creation of this new police department, stated that “the county has outgrown Sheriff (Donald) Chaffin’s department. We’re no longer a rural community, rather an urban county.” (Bowles, 1991, June 13). Under the Commission’s plan, the new 84-member police department would patrol the unincorporated areas of the county, while the Sheriff’s Department would serve warrants, run the jail, and handle court functions.

In February 1991, the Board of Commissioner voted and hired a Police Chief to head the creation of the Henry County Bureau of Police Services. On July 1, 1991, the Henry County Bureau of Police Services began operations and provided services to the community. The department began with 58 officers and 26 civilians to serve a population of 58,000 and has gradually expanded to its current allotment of 229 officers and 34 civilians to serve a population, which is estimated at 210,356.*

Due to Henry County's location immediately south of Atlanta and astride Interstate 75, the Police Department deals with a wide range of public safety issues prevalent in both urban and rural areas. Accordingly, the police department provides all traditional police services and has specialty assignments including tactical response, selective traffic enforcement, bicycle patrol, highway interdiction, drug investigation and other special investigations units.

The Henry County Police Department is headed by Chief of Police, Keith Nichols.

Office of the Chief: History

The Internal Affairs Division is responsible for investigating allegations of employee misconduct, originating internally as well as from outside sources or citizen complaints. They ensure compliance with the department’s rules and regulations and investigate allegations of infractions of policy, state and federal law, and the Constitution of the United States on the part of employees. Their investigations are assigned by the Chief of Police or Deputy Chief of Police. This is to ensure investigative action when members conduct themselves improperly while also protecting members from unwarranted complaints pursuant to discharge of official duties. Investigations are conducted in a fair and impartial manner and all employees and witnesses are treated with consideration and respect.

The Internal Affairs Division is also responsible for Recruitment and Open Records requests.

The Internal Affairs Division is compromised of the following personnel:

Captain Joseph Smith

Captain Joseph (Joey) Smith is a long time resident of Henry County. He graduated from Henry County Senior High in 1989. While attending Clayton State College and University he joined the US Marines where he served 12 years as a reservist.

Captain Smith joined the Henry County Police Department in 1994. He served in Uniform Patrol and later as a Field Training Officer. He spent several years of his career on SWAT as an entry team member and then one of the teams Police Counter Snipers. In 1998 then Detective Smith was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division until promoted to Sergeant in 2002. Sergeant Smith served as a Sergeant in various Supervisory roles while assigned to Uniform Patrol and the Criminal Investigations Divisions.

In 2012, Sergeant Smith was assigned to Internal Affairs to assist as the Department’s Public Information Officer and IA Investigator. June 2014, Smith was promoted to Lieutenant over the Internal Affairs Division. July 2015, Smith was promoted to the position of Captain and served as the Commander of the Internal Affairs Division. In February 2017, Captain Smith was assigned as the Commander of the Special Operations Division which oversees the K9, Traffic, H.E.AT. (DUI Enforcement), Motors, and C.O.P’s Units. In July 2017, Captain Smith was assigned back to Internal Affairs and as of January 2018 is the Commander of the Unit. The Internal Affairs Commander is responsible for several aspects of the police department including internal investigations, hiring and recruiting, open records requests, and Public Information Officer/media relations.

Captain Smith has earned various certifications during his law enforcement career and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University.

Captain Joey Smith
Division Commander/Public Information Officer
770-288-8205

Sergeant John Davis
Internal Affairs/Recruiting
770-288-8205

Carolyn McKelvy
Open Records/Administrative
770-288-8205

Incident & Accident Reports

The Henry County Police Department Records Unit is a sub-division of the Support Services Division. The Records Unit is responsible for processing and maintaining reports and files. They processed and maintained approximately 25,767 case files in 2016. The Records Unit is located inside the Police Headquarters at 108 South Zack Hinton Parkway, McDonough, GA 30253 and is open Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. An Incident Report or Accident Report may be obtained in person from the Records Unit for a fee of $5.00 (cash, money order, debit/credit card, there is a $1.00 fee for using cards). Please allow 3 business days (or 72 hours) from the date the report was filed before a request for a copy of the report is made.

Family Violence Reports cannot be obtained unless an arrest has been made. Accident Reports can only be obtained by parties involved in the accident, vehicle owners or insurance companies of parties involved in the accident.

Order Online

You may order accident reports online via BuyCrash.com. Please note, incident reports are not currently available online.

Order By Mail

To request a report by mail, send a cashier’s check or money order payable to the Henry County Police Department, along with the case number, your name, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Henry County Police Department
Records Unit
108 South Zack Hinton Parkway
McDonough, GA 30253

Georgia Criminal History Reports

The Records Unit accepts requests for Georgia Criminal History Reports for personal or employment reasons. Request for Criminal History information must be made in person. You must present valid photo identification, Social Security Card and complete and sign a waiver form.

There is a $25.00 fee to obtain your personal Criminal History information which can be paid by either cash, cashiers check, money order or debit/credit cards, there is a $1.00 fee for using cards, payable to the Henry County Police Department. No Criminal History information on third parties will be released (i.e. You cannot obtain Criminal History information on anyone other than yourself).

Alcohol Permits & Badges

The Records Unit is responsible for issuing Alcohol Badges for employees who wish to work at establishments in unincorporated Henry County where such a permit is required by Henry County Ordinance. The Records Unit receives and reviews applications, conducts background checks on applicants and issues permits Monday – Friday from 8:00AM until 4:30PM and is located at the Police Headquarters at 108 South Zack Hinton Parkway, McDonough, GA 30253.

Persons wishing to obtain an alcohol badge will be required to present a drivers license and a social security card. Required fees are to be paid in the form of cash or money order only.

Alcoholic Beverage Permit Rules and Regulations

As per Henry County Ordinance Sec. 3-14-34, the following rules and regulations for possessing an alcoholic beverage permit are in effect.

1. No person shall be employed by a retail beer and/or wine establishment until such person has applied for and received a permit from the Henry County Police Department. Prior to issuing a permit, the Henry County Police Department shall conduct a background check on the applicant and shall collect a non-refundable investigative fee of $25.00 from the applicant to offset the cost of this background check.
2. The application shall include the name, address, date of birth, general description of the applicant; height, weight, hair color, eye color, social security number and driver’s license or picture I.D.
3. No alcoholic beverage permit shall be issued to any person who:
   • Has been convicted of more than one DUI offense within two (2) years or the date off application;
   • Is currently serving probation pursuant to any plea under the First Offender Act;
   • Has been convicted of any felony;
   • Has been convicted, within five (5) years from the date of application for a permit, of any misdemeanor crime of moral turpitude;
   • Has been convicted, within five (5) years of the date of application for a permit, as a habitual violator.(A conviction shall include an adjudication of guilt, a plea of guilty or a plea of nolo contendere in any criminal proceeding.)
4. In addition to the $25.00 background fee, a fee of $10.00 shall be charged upon the issuance/renewal of the permit which shall be valid for twelve (12) months from the date of issue. The permit shall be in the form of a picture identification (I.D.) badge.
5. It shall be the duty of all persons holding any license to sell alcoholic beverages to file with the Henry County Police Department the name of the establishment, the license number and a list of all employees, with their home addresses and home telephone numbers twice annually on/or before June 1 and again on/or before December 1 of each year.
6. All permits issued through administrative error can be terminated by the Henry County Police Department.
7. No licensee shall allow any employee required to hold a permit to work on the licensed premises without displaying, on their person in public view, the permit issued by the Henry County Police Department.
8. In the event that any permit holder leaves the employment of a licensed establishment, the licensee shall immediately surrender the permit to the Henry County Police Department.
9. All permits issued remain the property of the Henry County Police Department and shall be worn by the employee at all times while at work or on duty with the licensed establishment.

Instructions for Request to Restrict (Expunge) Arrest Record

Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37) provides for the restriction of certain criminal history records for non-criminal justice purposes when approved by the prosecuting attorney.

For arrest occurring July 1, 2013 or later, there is no application process required. The prosecutor of your case may approve the restriction at the time of sentencing. If restriction is approved upon sentence completion, it will be noted in the sentencing documentation forwarded to the court.

For arrests prior to July 1, 2013 the applicant is required to apply for restriction at the arresting agency. Arresting agencies require a processing fee of $25.00 per date of arrest as authorized per § 35-3-37. Call the arresting agency for the current fee charged. (click here for a list of Henry County agencies).

The REQUEST TO RESTRICT ARREST RECORD is a three page form and a Consent Form to run your background. (click here for the form)

• Section One is completed by the applicant. Each request form may contain only one (1) Date of Arrest (there may be multiple charges for that arrest).
• Section Two is completed by the arresting agency. The arresting agency then forwards the entire form to the prosecutor for approval/denial.
• Section Three is completed by the prosecutor. If approved or denied by the prosecutor, the arresting agency will notify the applicant and a copy of the decision is made available. This process generally takes 2-3 weeks.

*Refunds will not be issued by H.C.P.D. when applications are not approved by the prosecutor. Requests for restrictions that have missing data will not be processed until all required data is received and the fee will not be refunded due to missing required data.

Henry County Police Department training Division is responsible for the training and education of non-certified officers prior to their entrance into the police academy. Currently, the police department sends Georgia non-certified officers to Georgia Public Safety training Center in Forsyth, GA. After successful completion of the police academy, the newly certified police officers will return to the training Division for approximately two weeks for additional departmental training requirements. At the end of the two week training period, the certified officer will be placed with a veteran Field training Officer (FTO) for a period of approximately ten weeks. During the ten week period, the certified officer will be exposed to duties as a police officer and will work together with the FTO.

The Henry County training Division is devoted to developing the skills, knowledge of sworn and civilian personnel. They provide comprehensive training to ensure our citizens are provided quality, public safety services while being treated with professionalism, dignity and respect. The training Division provides continuous training for all personnel. Training includes, but is not limited to, the following topics, which are mandated by the State of Georgia and Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police: Use of Force, Domestic Violence, Legal Updates, Search and Seizure, Off Duty Conduct, Sexual Harassment, Special Operations, and a variety of other training topics to address the ever-changing trends in law enforcement. All officers are required to maintain their state certification by attending a minimum of 20 hours of training yearly as required by the Georgia Police Officers Standards and training Council (P.O.S.T.).

The Research and Development Office serves the Support Services Division in four major areas:

1. The R&D office serves as editorial support to the State Certification Manager to promote sound policy and procedure within the department, in conjunction with county policy and state law. It also supplies overview assistance for other written materials such as Executive Summaries and Resolutions for the Board of Commissioners. The Research element provides relevant recommendations based on pending legislation, other agencies’ successes, and industry trends which will improve present systems, cut costs in the long run, and keep operations up to date.
2. The R&D office serves as sole grant administrator for both program/performance objectives and fiscal justification. Development consists of the acquisition and management of grant funding, and federal, state, and local compliance. The administrator identifies new grant opportunities, researches agency and county eligibility, writes and submits all requests for funding, administers all awards, and makes recommendations to the Chief of Police on grant collaborations and partnerships outside the agency. This position functions as project director for all agency fiscal operative grants as well as offering assistance to other departments throughout the county. The agency’s current grant administrator has been successful in acquiring $4M in direct awards for the Police Department since 2006 while managing 4-8 grants annually and assisting other county entities in submitting applications.
3. The R&D office serves as Promotional Assessment Center facilitator for Sergeants’ and lieutenants’ promotional assessments via the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. This system has been in place since 2006 and is highly regarded for its tight adherence to reduced employment liability, and its systematic recognition of key promotable figures within the agency.
4. The R&D office serves as Special Projects support for the Office of the Chief and Support Services Commander. Research accepts project outlines, parameters and anticipated outcomes from the Chief or Commander. R&D then collects and compiles data, analyzes and examines it against a specific set of criteria, then presents the results in a series of formats or narratives. This ensures that the Chief or Commander has timely, comprehensive information before him in order to make decisions regarding the agency. Special Projects can consist of surveys, Internet research, press releases, agency comparisons, community outreach, or any number of timely investments.

The Certification Manager is a law enforcement professional who manages and maintains continual compliance with all applicable standards of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. Certification is a promulgation of standards containing a clear statement of professional objectives. These objectives are a time-proven way of helping law enforcement agencies to improve their overall performances. Henry County Police Department, in the early stages of re-certification, aims to improve delivery of law enforcement services by offering a body of standards, developed by law enforcement practitioners, covering a wide range of up-to-date law enforcement topics. Certification status represents a significant professional achievement. The following are benefits of certification:

• Confirmation that agency practices are consistent with progressive professional standards.
• Greater operational and administrative effectiveness.
• Enhanced understanding of agency policies and practices.
• Recognition in the field of outstanding achievement.
• Reduced liability potential.
• Greater governmental and community support.

The Certification Manager not only manages and maintains certification files, but also assists the Commander of the Support Services Division on a daily basis.

The mission of the Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU) is to provide intelligence for the department to accurately detect, predict and prevent crime with efficiency.

The Henry County Police Department’s Criminal Intelligence Unit is responsible for the identification of crime trends, series and patterns for the deployment of resources. The unit also provides investigative support for active investigations and compiles crime statistics.

The Quartermaster supplies support and field services to members of the Department. This Office serves the following function:

• Manages all police equipment and uniform inventory
• Provides a first point of contact to equipment and uniform vendors
• Maintaining all administrative supplies and warehouse
• Prepares requisitions for all department equipment and supplies
• Assists in equipping department vehicles and communications gear
• Acts as secretary to the Chaplaincy Program
• Tests and evaluates new equipment

The Henry County Police Chaplain Program is comprised of ten (10) professional clergy members who volunteer their services to department employees, their families, and members of the community during times of crisis, conflict, or sorrow. The Chaplains are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to assist police personnel with a variety of services in the field such as death notifications, lost or missing persons, and suicides. In addition they provide counseling and pastoral services whenever such services are requested. They may respond to major incidents and disasters such as plane crashes, multiple injury incidents, or officer involved shootings providing an empathic ear, displaying a passionate interest in, and the specialized training for pastoral care. The Chaplains donate several hundred hours to the community and officers each year. The Henry County Police Department salutes these outstanding volunteers.

Who qualifies as a Police Chaplain?

• Chaplains must be ordained or licensed ministers in good standing in a recognized religious denomination or group
• Chaplains must be skilled in ministry and pastoral care
• Chaplains must maintain high spiritual and moral standards
• Chaplains must demonstrate a commitment to ministry with police officers
• Chaplains must become familiar with and accept the policies and procedures of the Chaplain’s Program
• Chaplains must possess a valid Georgia driver’s license
• Chaplain applicants are subject to a background investigation prior to appointment

The Criminal Investigations Division is divided into nine sections:

1. Crimes Against Persons
2. Crimes Against Children
3. Crimes Against Property
4. Domestic Violence
5. Crime Scene Investigations
6. Criminal Analysis
7. Financial Crimes
8. Property and Evidence
9. Special Services

The Division's responsibilities are: to identify and apprehend offenders; recover stolen property; gather, document and evaluate facts in reference to criminal activity; process crime scenes, recover and preserve evidence and property; and present evidence to various courts to seek a successful prosecution of the offender(s).

All criminal reports made to the Henry County Police Department are sent to the Criminal Investigations Division for assessment. The reports are reviewed for facts and information which would lead detectives to the identity of a suspect.

Case Assignment

Solvability factors are used to determine if a case is assigned. Some of these factors are; clear descriptions that will identify the perpetrator(s), license tag information, and direct knowledge of who committed the crime, physical evidence that can identify the perpetrator(s) or witnesses who are able to identify the perpetrator(s). There may be other factors that will also be used to determine assignment.

Citizens who are victims of crimes are encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Division if they become aware of additional information that was not given to the officer at the time of the report. Due to the overwhelming number of reports, cases are only assigned if there is sufficient information or evidence to justify the expenditure of manpower on an investigation.

When a case is assigned, the detective will contact the victim within 48 hours of receiving the assignment. During the course of the investigation, the detective will maintain contact with the victim and update them on the progress of the case. When a final resolution is reached, the detective will contact the victim and advise them of the final disposition. In those instances where no information was developed for prosecution, the case will be considered inactive. Should new information be developed, the case can be re-activated for additional investigation.

Crimes Against Persons

The Crimes Against Persons Unit is tasked with investigating those cases that involve a crime of violence or sexual assault against a person. These cases include, but are not limited to, homicide, rape, robbery, kidnapping, assault, battery, etc.

In the case of a homicide, a number of detectives will be given specific assignments relating to the incident due to the severe nature of the crime and the difficulty in locating and prosecuting offenders.

Georgia Sex Offenders

You may search the Georgia sex offender database online here.

Crimes Against Children

The Crimes Against Children Unit is tasked with investigating all crimes dealing with juveniles who are 17 years old or younger. These crimes include but are not limited to: child molestation, unruly children, runaways, etc. These Detectives may investigate property crimes or person’s crimes dealing with juveniles depending on the charge.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Crimes Against Property

The Crimes Against Property Unit is tasked with investigating those cases that include but are not limited to theft, burglary, arson, etc.

Detectives oversee local pawn shop businesses by checking pawn shops for articles which are possibly stolen items, entering and maintaining a computerized database of all pawned articles and the investigation of persons involved with stolen pawned items. Detectives also oversee secondary metal recyclers for stolen items such as copper wire, etc.

Crime Scene Investigations

The Crime Scene Investigation Unit is responsible for complex crime scene investigations; for evaluating a scene; uses various types of equipment; develops, secures, and packages physical evidence for scientific evaluation and comparison; prepares detailed reports on the observations and activities at the scene for the law enforcement agency responsible for the investigation of the crime; testifies in court regarding the findings and processing methods used at the scene. The Crime Scene Investigation Unit is also responsible for marijuana laboratory analysis, latent print examinations and forensic photographs. The Crime Scene Investigation Unit is on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While the technicians concentrate on processing the crime scene and collecting evidence, the Detectives are able to focus on the aspects of the criminal investigation.

Available Forms:

• Financial Crime Statement Form
• Statement Form

Financial Crimes

The Financial Crimes Unit is tasked with investigating those crimes that include forgery, fraud, identity theft, etc.

Georgia law provides a victim of identity theft with the option to file a police report with the jurisdiction in which the crime occurred or the jurisdiction in which they live. However, the prosecuting attorney’s council has reached an agreement that simply states the jurisdiction where the secondary offense (i.e. forgery, financial transaction card fraud) occurred will be the prosecuting jurisdiction for both offenses.

If you file a report of identity theft with this agency and it is determined through the investigation that a secondary offense occurred in another jurisdiction your case will be forwarded to that jurisdiction for prosecution.

If you are or suspect you are a victim of identity theft you should immediately close all bank accounts and credit card accounts. You should then contact one of the three major credit bureaus and place a fraud alert on your credit account. Some helpful resources are listed below.

Resources:

• Federal trade Commission
• Internet Fraud Complaint Center
• Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline: 1-800-269-0271
• Consumer Information on Identity Theft
• Download and Print Financial Crime Statement Forms

Major Credit Bureaus

Checks

Stolen checks or bank accounts set up fraudulently in your name, call these check guarantee companies. They can flag your file so that counterfeit checks will be refused.

• CheckRite: (800) 766-2748
• Chexsystems: (800) 428-9623
• CrossCheck: (707) 586-0551
• Equifax: (800) 437-5120
• International Check Servics: (800) 526-5380
• SCAN: (800) 262-2771
• TeleCheck: (800) 710-9898
• National Check Fraud Center: 1-843-571-2143

Consumer Advocacy Groups

• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: 1717 Kettner Ave., Ste. 105, San Diego, CA 2101. Phone: (619) 298-3396; Email & website.
• U.S. Public Interest Research Group: 218 D St. S.E., Washington, DC 20001. Phone: (202) 546-9707; Email & website.

Property & Evidence Mission Statement:

The Property & Evidence Section is a section within the Criminal Investigations Division. The section receives and stores evidentiary, found, and safekeeping items for the Henry County Police Department (HCPD) and the Flint Circuit Drug Task Force (FCDTF). The section is responsible for returning items to the rightful owners when possible. Any items that have not been picked up in a timely manner or are no longer needed by the courts are destroyed or auctioned off, after a diligent search for the rightful owner.

Evidence Items:

Items with evidentiary value for criminal prosecution that are submitted to the Property & Evidence Section will be held until after disposition by the courts for the criminal case for which it was collected. In cases with multiple defendants, all items will be held until the last disposition is completed. The items will be held for a total of 90 days after the final disposition by the courts. With some exceptions, after the case been disposed of and after all appeals are heard, property which was collected for evidentiary purposes may be released to the rightful owner with permission of the prosecutor’s office in writing.

Found Property/Items:

Periodically, officers with the Henry County Police Department will respond to and collect “found property” for which the owner cannot be located. Found property will be retained by the Property & Evidence Section for a period of 90 days. During the 90 day period, found property may be released to the rightful owner. All found property not collected after the 90 day hold is subject to court ordered disposal pursuant to the Official Code of Georgia.

Safekeeping Items:

Safekeeping items are items held because the lawful owner is unable to temporarily maintain custody or is unwilling to assume custody. All safekeeping items will require a written release from either the entering officer/detective/agent or the courts. After the 90 days of being held, the safekeeping items will be destroyed or auctioned pursuant to the Official Code of Georgia.

Location of the Property & Evidence Section:

We are located inside the Henry County Police Department's Headquarters building at 108 South Zack Hinton Parkway McDonough, Georgia 30253. You will need to drive to rear of the building from the right side entrance (next to the Wells Fargo Bank). You will see a concrete walk up ramp. Walk up the ramp and knock on the metal door.

Hours of Operation and Items Release Appointment:

Tuesday 8:30am-11:30am & Thursday 2:00pm-4:00pm

Retrieval of items held by the Property and Evidence Section is by APPOINTMENTS ONLY. Appointments are necessary due to the high volume of items being released and allows for release approvals to be obtained before your arrival. This will reduce the overall wait time. Appointments must be scheduled prior to picking up items. You can schedule either by calling the Property & Evidence Section voice mail system at phone number 770-288-8396 or by email.

Please leave your name, phone number, police department case number, and a description of the item(s) in question. Leaving an incomplete message or email will delay any possible response. Property & Evidence will respond to your message within one complete (24 hours) business day.

What to bring to retrieve items?

Persons who wish to retrieve items that are in the custody of the Henry County Police Department must present themselves in person to the Property and Evidence Section and must furnish a valid government issued photo identification card along with proof of ownership in the form of a bill of sale prior to any property being returned. If you have no bill of sale, a Declaration of Ownership form will be provided and signed by the owner.

Exceptions (Firearms)

Persons who have been convicted in any court of felony, or a qualifying misdemeanor crime of domestic violence (MCDV) generally are prohibited under federal law from possessing any firearm or ammunition in or affecting commerce (or shipping or transporting any firearm of ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce, or receiving any such firearm or ammunition).

This prohibition also applies to federal, state, and local governmental employees in both their official and private capacities. Violation of this prohibition is a federal offense punishable by up to ten years imprisonment.

Additionally pursuant to the Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) 17-5-51, any device which is used as a weapon in the commission of any crime against any person or any attempt to commit any crime against any person, any weapon the possession or carrying of which constitutes a crime or delinquent act, and any weapon for which a person has been convicted of the crime of carrying a concealed weapon, as provided for by Code Section 16-11-126, are declared to be contraband and are forfeited.

Special Services | Drug Hotline: (770) 288-6272

The Special Services Division has merged with the Flint Circuit Drug Task Force (F.C.D.T.F.). They are responsible for the enforcement of applicable laws pertaining to narcotics and dangerous drugs, the latent investigations of organized crime groups and criminal enterprises engaged in narcotics trafficking, illegal gambling, prostitution, pornography, regulation of alcoholic beverage laws and escort services. Members from the unit work with various agencies including the DEA, GBI and US Marshal’s Office.

Signs & Symptoms of Drug Use

If a person shows any of the following symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that he or she is using drugs. The presence of some of these behaviors could be the product of stress. Others may be symptoms of depression or a host of other problems. Whatever the cause, they may warrant attention, especially if they persist or if they occur in a cluster. A mental health professional or a caring and concerned adult may help a person successfully overcome a crisis and develop more effective coping skills, often preventing further problems.

It is important to watch for any significant changes in the person’s physical appearance, personality, attitude or behavior.

Physical Signs

• Loss of appetite, increase in appetite, any changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.
• Slowed or staggering walk; poor physical coordination.
• Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times, unusual laziness.
• Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare.
• Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.
• Puffy face, blushing or paleness.
• Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes.
• Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
• Runny nose; hacking cough.
• Needle marks on lower arm, leg or bottom of feet.
• Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
• tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head.
• Irregular heartbeat.

Behavioral Signs

• Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.
• Changes in friends; new hang-outs; sudden avoidance of old crowd; doesn't want to talk about new friends; friends are known drug users.
• Change in activities or hobbies.
• Drop in grades at school or performance at wor
• Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.
• Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
• General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, "I don't care" attitude.
• Sudden oversensitivity, temper tantrums, or resentful behavior.
• Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
• Silliness or giddiness.
• Paranoia
• Excessive need for privacy; unreachable.
• Secretive or suspicious behavior.
• Car accidents.
• Chronic dishonesty.
• Unexplained need for money, stealing money or items.
• Change in personal grooming habits.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Always remember that any one of the above signs may not be enough to indicate substance abuse but should be enough to suggest that there may be a problem. There are several other signs and symptoms that relate more specifically to the mental and physiological effects of substance abuse.

Drug Specific Signs and Symptoms:

• Marijuana: Glassy, red eyes; loud talking and inappropriate laughter followed by sleepiness; a sweet burnt scent; loss of interest, motivation; weight gain or loss.
• Alcohol: Clumsiness; difficulty walking; slurred speech; sleepiness; poor judgment; dilated pupils; possession of a false ID card.
• Depressants: (including barbiturates and tranquilizers) Seems drunk as if from alcohol but without the associated odor of alcohol; difficulty concentrating; clumsiness; poor judgment; slurred speech; sleepiness; and contracted pupils.
• Stimulants: Hyperactivity; euphoria; irritability; anxiety; excessive talking followed by depression or excessive sleeping at odd times; may go long periods of time without eating or sleeping; dilated pupils; weight loss; dry mouth and nose.
• Inhalants: (Glues, aerosols, and vapors ) Watery eyes; impaired vision, memory and thought; secretions from the nose or rashes around the nose and mouth; headaches and nausea; appearance of intoxication; drowsiness; poor muscle control; changes in appetite; anxiety; irritability; an unusual number of spray cans in the trash.
• Hallucinogens: Dilated pupils; bizarre and irrational behavior including paranoia, aggression, hallucinations; mood swings; detachment from people; absorption with self or other objects, slurred speech; confusion
• Heroin: Needle marks; sleeping at unusual times; sweating; vomiting; coughing and sniffling; twitching; loss of appetite; contracted pupils; no response of pupils to light.
• Tobacco/Nicotine: Smell of tobacco; stained fingers or teeth.

Special Victims Unit (SVU)

The Henry County Police Department received a grant from the Department of Justice’s Office of Victims of Crime and is administered by the state of Georgia’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. This grant is funded under the STOP Violence Against Women Criminal Justice Systems Improvement Initiative. The purpose of this Grant is to assist State and local agencies in developing and strengthening effective law enforcement/prosecution strategies and enhance victim’s services in cases involving violent crimes against women.

The Henry County Police Department has partnered with the Haven House, Henry County Courts, Henry County District Attorney’s Office, Henry County Solicitor General’s Office, and the Southern Crescent Sexual Assault Center in a collaborative effort to meet the stated goals of enhancing the safety of women victims of violent crimes, to increase officer accountability, and to participate in appropriate training to address the specific needs of racial and ethnic minorities.

The Special Victims Unit is located within the Police Department’s Criminal Investigative Division and is staffed by a detective sergeant, three detectives and a Spanish speaking liaison.

The Special Victims Unit detectives are assigned cases which involve female victims over the age of twelve. These victims have been involved in incidents of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking. The assigned detectives are tasked with the responsibility of incident follow-up and investigative actions prior to the final adjudication. Detectives contact the victims in order to provide additional services that are available at the state and local level which may provide avenues for further assistance to the victim.

The liaison position facilitates communications between public safety, the courts, the Haven House, the Southern Crescent Sexual Assault Center, and with victims themselves. The position will increase all victim contact by performing accurate and consistent communications, follow-up, and assistance to stakeholders. The liaison works with sworn personnel to assist victims through the criminal and civil justice system and helps to ensure offender accountability.

Domestic Violence

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is an abusive crime that affects victims and their families long after the crime has been committed. It takes many forms - physical, mental, verbal or sexual - and it often begins with the abuser blaming the victim for his or her own feelings of inadequacy and inferiority. Victims often feel powerless to escape the violence because of the controlling nature of the abuser. But, in Henry County and throughout the state, there are systems and laws in place to protect the victims, and place responsibility for the crime where it belongs - with the abuser.

Are you a victim of Domestic Violence?

Does your spouse or partner say things to embarrass insult or ridicule you? Isolate you, withholdaffection, or physically harm you? Blame you for the abuse or excuse the violence because of what you did or didn’t do? If so, you may be a victim, or have the potential of becoming one. Now there’s help, but to access that help you must acknowledge the problem.

Victim's Bill of Rights

If you want to get on with a normal life, there are a few things you need to know. For example, did you know that you have a Victim’s Bill of Rights, or that you can file a temporary protection order (TPO) against your abusive spouse or partner, or that you can even be compensated for expenses incurred as a result of domestic violence?

Under the Victim’s Bill of Rights, you have the right to notification regarding:

The suspect’s arrest, the suspect’s release and consideration of release, judicial proceedings where release is considered, victim’s compensation, legal proceedings of a criminal case throughout the judicial process, appellate proceedings, Georgia corrections and Parole Board notification procedures and services, Attorney General’s notification procedures in death penalty cases upon suspect’s conviction.

You also have the right to:

• Express your opinion regarding proceedings/disposition.
• If bond is granted, the victim may file a written complaint with the prosecuting attorney asserting any acts or threats by the accused, and the prosecuting attorney may move the court to revoke bond.
• A private waiting area during court proceedings.
• Request that defense counsel not disclose victim information to the accused.

If you wish to exercise these rights and request notification, you must do so in writing, providing a current address andphone number to the notifying parties which may include arresting, investigating and custodial law enforcement agencies, and the prosecutor’s office, as well as the state agencies listed above at the appropriate time in the judicial process. To receive further information or assistance in asserting these rights, please call 770-288-6400 and ask for the victim services director.

Under the Victim’s Bill of Rights, you also have the right to protection from intimidation and harm. Specifically, you can file a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) against your abusive spouse or partner, which orders the abuser to refrain from harassing, injuring, maltreating, molesting, harming, stalking or abusing you or your children. It orders your abuser not to come within 500 yards of you or your children, including your home, your work, and your children’s day care or school. If the order is violated, your abuser will be arrested.

What to Do if your TPO is violated?

If your abuser violates your active and valid TPO, call 911 immediately! Tell the operator that you have a TPO and describe what your abuser has done to violate the order. You should also contact your attorney or legal advocate and notify them of your abuser’s offense. A TPO is not valid unless a Superior Court Judge has signed the order. The TPO order does have an expiration date so please be aware of that date.

Domestic Violence Assistance

The Flint Circuit Council on Family Violence (The Haven House) provides services free of charge to the community. These services include a 24-hour crisis line, legal advocacy, case management, therapy, support groups, resettlement and follow-up services. Legal advocates can assist with obtaining temporary protective orders (TPO) or stalking orders through the superior court. The 24-hour crisis line is 770-954-9229. If you have other questions about services provided, contact the agency at 770-954-1008 during normal business hours.

Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Assistance

The Southern Crescent Sexual Assault center offers hospital accompaniment, victim advocacy, 24-hourcrisis counseling, legal advocacy and accompaniment, as well as other services. The 24-hour crisis line number is 770-477-2177. If you have further questions about services provided, contact the agency at 770-603-4045 during normal business hours.

Crime Victim Compensation

Being a victim of domestic violence not only affects you physically and emotionally - it can also be financially devastating. The Victim’s Bill of Rights gives you the right to receive compensation and/or restitution from your abuser. Georgia’s Crime Victim’s Compensation Program was created to assist victims - even victims of domestic violence - with crime related expenses, including medical bills, counseling expenses, lost wages, and funeral expenses that are not covered by insurance or other sources.

So, if you feel helpless and hopeless, don’t - there is help and there is hope. These agencies will advise you on the actions you should take - in total confidence. Regain control of your life and the lives of your children by contacting any of the following resources:

• Crisis Resources Of North Georgia (770) 503-7273
• Henry County Magistrate Court (770) 288-7700
• Henry County Sheriff’s Office (770) 288-7100
• Henry County Police Department (770) 288-8200
• McDonough Police Department (770) 957-1218
• Locust Grove Police Department (770) 957-7055
• Hampton Police Department (770) 946-4513
• Office of District Attorney
• Victim Services – Felonies (770) 288-6351
• Henry County Solicitor’s Office – Misdemeanors (770) 288-7178
• Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Georgia Crime Victim’s Compensation Program (404) 559-4949
• Georgia Corrections & Parole Board
• Office of Victim Services (404) 651-6668
• Attorney General’s Office
• Death Penalty post-conviction case only (404) 463-2581
• State Probation Office – Felonies (770) 954-2004
• Sentinel Probation – Misdemeanors (770) 914-6961
• Georgia Legal Services (770) 535-5717
• Georgia Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 33-HAVEN
• Preventing Sexual Assault

The Uniform Patrol Division comprises approximately two thirds of all Departmental personnel and handles a wide variety of uniform services in addition to basic Patrol Operations. As with most progressive law enforcement agencies, the Department embraces the “Community Oriented Policing” philosophy. This allows the UPD to garner support from the citizenry directly and in a timely manner, thus creating a pro-active rather than re-active response to crime and emergencies. This facilitates the highest quality of leadership and experience for such a large command.

The UPD also contains several smaller units of a specialized nature. This is necessary because some law enforcement tasks require specialized training, experience, and equipment. Officers assigned to these units meet rigorous standards and commit to reside in the units for minimum specified periods of time.

Geographically, the UPD patrols an area comprised of 324 square miles, as Henry County is one of the larger counties in Georgia. Interstate 75 and Interstate 675 intersect the jurisdiction thus creating the need for decentralization of UPD personnel. Therefore, the jurisdiction, is divided into two main precincts, North and Central.

The North Precinct is geographically located in the City of Stockbridge while the Central Precinct is co-located at Department Headquarters in McDonough, plus one mini-precinct located in Tanger Mall in Locust Grove.

A senior manager holding the rank of Captain commands the North Precinct. In addition, a Watch Commander holding the rank of lieutenant commands each watch or shift. The Watch Commander will control patrol operations within the designated precinct area and direct the Shift Sergeants, who oversee the actual patrol operations.

The precinct areas are subdivided into patrol zones to facilitate the quickest response times. Since the Department’s inception, the call for service volume has increased dramatically. Concurrently, Henry County has become one of the fastest growing communities in the United States. This has created the need for flexibility and creativity in patrol operations. Officers assigned to the UPD enjoy many benefits not seen in less progressive agencies such as a four-day work week and a take home car program for resident officers. These benefits enhance the public image while projecting visibility throughout the community and represent the progressive nature of the UPD.

A senior manager holding the rank of Captain commands both the North & South Precincts.

• Community Oriented Policing Servicing (COPS)
• Criminal Apprehension and Gang Enforcement (CAGE)
• Highway Enforcement of Aggressive traffic (HEAT)
• K-9
• Reserves
• Special Weapons and Tactics
• Traffic

The Community Oriented Policing Unit (COPS) Unit has the responsibility to assist the Henry County Police Department and law enforcement officers implement and enhance community policing. Community policing requires police and citizens to join together as partners in the course of both identifying and effectively addressing issues.

The core elements of community policing are described below:

Organizational Elements:

1. Philosophy Adopted Organization-Wide
2. Decentralized Decision-Making and Accountability
3. Fixed Geographic Accountability and Generalist Responsibilities
4. Utilization of Volunteer Resources
5. Enhancers

Tactical Elements:

1. Enforcement of Laws
2. Proactive, Crime Prevention Oriented
3. Problem-solving

External Elements:

1. Public Involvement in Community Partnerships
2. Government and Other Agency Partnerships

The Henry County COPS Unit along with agencies across America and the world sponsor the National Night Out event once a year. National Night Out is an event held by local communities to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for the anti-crime programs, strengthen the neighborhood spirit and community- police partnership. National Night Out has proven to be an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our fight for a safer nation.

The Henry County COPS Unit sponsors the following programs:

• Women’s Self Defense
• Citizens Police Academy
• Neighborhood Watch Program
• Robbery Preventions Tips
• Burglary Prevention Tips
• Elderly Safety Tips

C.A.G.E.

The Criminal Apprehension and Gang Enforcement Unit (C.A.G.E.) is responsible for the investigation and apprehension of street criminals and gang members. The Unit collects and provides intelligence to other divisions within the police department and other agencies in the State. The Unit also provides classes and lectures about gangs throughout the community.

Highway Enforcement of
Aggressive traffic

H.E.A.T.

The H.E.A.T. Unit is comprised of one Sergeant and three Officers of the Uniform Patrol Division. This unit is part of a Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force that is comprised of law enforcement agencies around the state, organized by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, which have come together to combat aggressive traffic.

H.E.A.T. is designed to educate about, and enforce laws related to proper Safety Restraint usage for adults and children, laws governing speed enforcement, impaired and aggressive driving. Each officer is armed with materials to educate county citizens about our laws related to each of those areas. The H.E.A.T Unit uses Radar and Lasers units for the enforcement of speed. The Unit conducts DUI Checkpoints throughout the year for the apprehension of impaired drivers. Education and enforcement must go hand in hand if we are to be successful in reducing the number of serious injury and fatality motor vehicle crashes on our highways.

Click It or Ticket

Click It or Ticket (CIOT) is the most successful seat belt enforcement campaign ever, helping create the highest national seat belt usage rate of 82 percent. Coast to coast, day or night, the message is simple - Click It or Ticket.

Operation Zero Tolerance

Operation Zero Tolerance (OZT) is a statewide enforcement initiative to raise driver awareness to the deadly consequences of Impaired driving. Impaired drivers cause one-out-of-five fatality crashes on Georgia highways each year. Drivers who violate Georgia’s DUI laws will go to jail! If you’re Over The limit–you’re Under Arrest.

For more information about traffic Safety, Seatbelt Use, Child Safety Seats and Impaired Driving click on the links below:

• Georgia Governors Office of Highway Safety
• National Highway traffic Safety Administration
• Georgia traffic Injury Prevention Institute

The Henry County Police Department’s Honor Guard exists for the purpose of rendering proper honors, and ensuring that established protocols are followed at Departmental functions. These functions include Memorial Ceremonies, Officer and dignitary funerals, building dedications, and any other details directed by the Chief of Police. The Honor Guard is comprised of an Honor Guard Commander, Assistant Commander, and twelve Officers.

The unit is a member of the National Association of Honor Guard Commanders, and provides support for other agencies in the form of assisting them in preparing for and executing ceremonies at their request.

The K-9 Unit currently consists of three (3) officers who have each been assigned a canine “partner”. All three (3) current canines are dual purpose dogs that are trained in narcotics detection, criminal apprehension, tracking, article/area searches, building searches and handler protection.

The goal of the K-9 Unit is to diminish criminal activity by utilizing traffic enforcement and criminal patrol techniques on Interstate 75 and on Henry County’s highways and surface streets. The K-9 Unit also provides assistance to all other divisions within the police department as well as other law enforcement agencies who need the use of a K-9.

The Henry County Police Department Motorcycle Unit, which falls under the command of the Uniform Patrol Division, operates year round as part of our Special Operations Division. The Motorcycle Unit currently is comprised of one sergeant and five officers and are assigned the Harley Davidson Police Road King motorcycle.

The primary function of the Motorcycle Unit is aimed at reducing the number of serious injury and fatality collisions through a strict enforcement of the Georgia traffic laws. Other duties include providing additional police presence during special events, assisting with traffic control at serious incidents, providing motorcycle escorts for large public events. The Motorcycle Unit, in conjunction with the C.O.P.S. Unit, work closely in educating citizens with traffic related needs.

The Reserve Officer Unit is an extension of the Henry County Police Department. It currently consists of 13 volunteers, who are trained to assist the police department and the citizens of the county. The unit is supervised by the Uniform Patrol Division Commander and consists of one (1) Captain, one (1) lieutenant, two (2) Sergeants.

The primary purpose of the reserve unit is to assist the department whenever needed. Often times, this can be on very short notice. The police department can page anywhere from one to all reserves, depending on the need for situation. Page-outs can be for any number of reasons (day or night), including severe weather conditions, fire scene protection, lost/missing person(s) searches, crime scene protection, serious traffic accidents, power outages or special details, as needed by the police department.

The Reserve Unit officers work full time private sector jobs and volunteer a minimum of twenty (20) hours a month with the police department. The officers are mandated and are required to meet all qualifications and standards of a police officer.

S.W.A.T.

The Henry County Police Department Special Weapons And Tactics team (S.W.A.T.) is a highly trained and specially equip group comprised of sworn police officers and paramedics. Ready at a moments notice, they respond to High Risk Situations that are beyond the scope of normal departmental duties, and require assets that are not normally available to the rest of the Department.

The S.W.A.T. Team is utilized for the following incidents:

1. Hostage/sniper/barricaded gunman situations
2. V.I.P. protection
3. Rescue of personnel or civilians who have been captured, isolated, or endangered as a result of a tactical situation
4. Riot control during civil disturbances
5. Perimeter control during protracted situations
6. Searches for missing persons
7. Assistance with large-scale street level drug operations
8. Service of narcotic search warrants as deemed necessary by the Narcotics Commander Rescue /relief assistance during natural or man-made disaster
9. Situations of mutual aid to other jurisdictions
10. Bomb threats and bomb emergencies
11. Security coverage for special events
12. All other as directed by the Chief of Police

Members train monthly to hone their skills and to maintain the highest level of job proficiency. This training is in addition to their normal duties, and is completely voluntary. Although extremely demanding, there is a high level of personal satisfaction experienced by each member during their tenure. Members also train with other State and Local agencies to experience other methods, philosophies, and for possible inter-agency deployment.

The selection process for assignment to the team is extensive, and includes both physical and mental challenges. Candidates undergo a grueling day of trails to include; Firearms Proficiency, Tactical Shooting, Push-Ups and Sit-Ups, Timed Obstacle Course, Officer Down Drill, ¼ Mile Sprint, and Rappel Familiarization. Each Candidate is the subjected to an Oral Interview Board and Internal Personnel File Review. The Henry County Police S.W.A.T. team only selects those with the highest level of Leadership Potential.

School Crossing Guards

The School Crossing Guard is a subdivision of the Community Oriented Policing Unit. Henry County Police Department employs non sworn personnel to ensure that our children can safely attend school. They are present twice a day, five days each week, to provide the motoring public the proper assistance in crossing through our school zones with the utmost safety, while experiencing the least amount of inconvenience. Often times, the school crossing guards are required to work in the worst of conditions, particularly during inclement weather.

These highly dedicated, part-time employees are an invaluable resource for both the police department and the school system. We are indeed indebted to these loyal individuals.

The traffic Unit is comprised of one Sergeant and five officers. The traffic Unit is tasked with investigating all fatal motor vehicle crashes; response to serious injury crashes; and investigates/reviews all Hit and Run accidents.

Click on the image to the left to view a vehicle accident simulation presentation.

Below are some other links of interest:

• Georgia Department of Driver Services
• Georgia travel Information