Sheriff Data Collection Request (2021)
| Submitted | Sept. 11, 2022 |
MuckRock users can file, duplicate, track, and share public records requests like this one. Learn more.
Communications
From: Samuel Sinyangwe
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act, I hereby request the following records:
1. the total number of use of force incidents, separated by type of force and year used in 2021 (for example, information that specifies the number of taser incidents in 2021, baton incidents in 2021, etc.). Please include as part of this a breakdown of how many use of force incidents in each year were related to law enforcement operations and how many were related to correctional/custodial operations.
2. the total number of civilian complaints alleging any form of law enforcement misconduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.
3. the total number of civilian complaints alleging law enforcement use of excessive force that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.
4. the total number of civilian complaints alleging biased policing or racial profiling that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.
5. the total number of civilian complaints alleging criminal conduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.
6. the total number of officer involved shootings in 2021, both fatal and non-fatal.
When available, I would appreciate being sent individualized data for each item in this request in spreadsheet format. If individualized data are unavailable, please send information that includes aggregate statistics for the item instead.
Note that my requests for civilian complaints are specifically for civilian complaints alleging police misconduct, please do not include complaints filed by one officer/the department against another officer.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 3 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Samuel Sinyangwe
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Georgia Open Records Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 11, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Newton County Sheriff's Office
Good afternoon,
Per his request, Lt. Cunningham is out of the office and will respond to your request upon his return on Tuesday, September 20th. If our office can be of any further assistance in the meantime, please do no hesitate to contact us.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandy Williams
Records Custodian
Newton County Sheriff's Office
Office: (678) 625 - 1491
From: Newton County Sheriff's Office
Dear Sir/Ma'am -
Hello. The Newton County Sheriff's Office is in receipt of your Open Records Act Request. You requested:
1. the total number of use of force incidents, separated by type of force and year used in 2021 (for example, information that specifies the number of taser incidents in 2021, baton incidents in 2021, etc.). Please include as part of this a breakdown of how many use of force incidents in each year were related to law enforcement operations and how many were related to correctional/custodial operations.
2. the total number of civilian complaints alleging any form of law enforcement misconduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.
3. the total number of civilian complaints alleging law enforcement use of excessive force that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.
4. the total number of civilian complaints alleging biased policing or racial profiling that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.
5. the total number of civilian complaints alleging criminal conduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.
6. the total number of officer involved shootings in 2021, both fatal and non-fatal.
A preliminary search of documents responsive to your request resulted in a pre-retrieval estimate of $72.20. it is estimated that the records will be available by September 29, 2022.
Please confirm your willingness to be responsible for the total amount of fees identified above so that we may begin to compile the requested documentation. A simple email confirmation will be satisfactory.
Please know that the amount and production time set forth in this correspondence is an estimate, and the Newton County Sheriff's Office reserves the right to adjust upward or downward depending upon the number of copies and the amount of time it takes to respond. The Newton County Sheriff's Office also reserves the right to review and redact the documents responsive to your request and further reserves the right to assert additional, specific objections under the Act if warranted following receipt of responsive documentation.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michael Cunningham, Lieutenant
Office of Professional Standards
CVSA Advanced Examiner
Newton County Sheriff's Office
Office: 678-625-1413
mcunningham@newtonsheriffga.org<mailto:mcunningham@newtonsheriffga.org>
From: Samuel Sinyangwe
Hi, thanks for sending this. I can confirm my willingness to pay the necessary fees to obtain these documents.
Thank you,
Sam
From: Newton County Sheriff's Office
Dear Sir/Ma'am -
Attached you will find the answer to your Open Records Request addressed to the Newton County Sheriff's Office. NCSO's response is highlighted in red.
1. the total number of use of force incidents, separated by type of force and year used in 2021 (for example, information that specifies the number of taser incidents in 2021, baton incidents in 2021, etc.). Please include as part of this a breakdown of how many use of force incidents in each year were related to law enforcement operations and how many were related to correctional/custodial operations. Sheriff: 47 Detention: 50
Electronic Control Weapons: 38 O.C.: 15 Soft Hands Physical Force: 43 Handgun: 1
2. the total number of civilian complaints alleging any form of law enforcement misconduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021. Total: 22 Unfounded: 15 Sustained: 7
3. the total number of civilian complaints alleging law enforcement use of excessive force that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021. 0
4. the total number of civilian complaints alleging biased policing or racial profiling that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021. 0
5. the total number of civilian complaints alleging criminal conduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021. 0
6. the total number of officer involved shootings in 2021, both fatal and non-fatal. Fatal: 1
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Cunningham, Lieutenant
Office of Professional Standards
CVSA Advanced Examiner
Newton County Sheriff's Office
Office: 678-625-1413
mcunningham@newtonsheriffga.org
-
~WRD0005