2020 Annual report of the Department of Public Safety (Atlanta, Ga.)

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
2020 ANNUAL REPORT

2

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

DPS History

4

Mission and Core Values

6

HIERARCHY

Board of Public Safety8

DPS Command Staff

10

FIELD OPERATIONS

The Year 2020 in Review

12

Georgia State Patrol

14

Communications Centerl

20

Nighthawks DUI Task Force

20

Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team

21

Implied Consent Unit

21

Recruiting Unit

22

SOG Special Weapons and Tactics

24

Aviation

24

Criminal Interdiction Unit

25

Motor Carrier Compliance Division

24

Capitol Police Division

34

COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE

Legal Services

40

Office of Professional Standards

41

Office of Planning & Research

43

Human Resourcesl

44

SUPPORT/ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Comptroller's Office

45

Technology48

Administrative Services

49

Governor's Task Force

53

Regional K-9 Task Force

54

Executive Security

54

DPS Honor Guard

55

GEMA Liaison

55

Training Division

56

Office of Public Safety Support

56

Public Information Office

57

3

INTRODUCTION
GA DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY HISTORY
GEORGIA STATE PATROL
It was the motoring public who first advocated the need for the Department of Public Safety. Traffic fatalities, increased crime, and a need for a larger law enforcement agency with statewide arrest powers, led Georgia lawmakers to create the State Patrol. In the summer of 1937, the first Trooper School was held at Georgia Tech and graduated 80 Troopers. To date, the Georgia State Patrol has graduated 109 Trooper Schools.
CAPITOL POLICE
Officers with the Capitol Police Division investigate criminal incidents and traffic crashes; manage street closures for events; patrol the streets on Capitol Square and those adjacent to other state buildings; provide courtroom secruity for Georgia's Supreme Court and Court of Appeals; conduct security assessments and surveillance detection; and deliver personal safety training for state employees and others.
MOTOR CARRIER COMPLIANCE
The Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) enforces traffic laws, focusing primarily on commercial motor vehicles. This includes performing driver and vehicle inspections at roadsides, inspection stations, and at carriers' terminals. The inspections range from "full" vehicle and driver inspections, which includes mechanical components, to "driver only" inspections. These may also include inspections of vehicles transporting hazardous materials.
WE SET THE STANDARD
The Georgia Department of Public Safety was created in 1937 and oversees the day-to-day operation of the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Capitol Police and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD). GSP troopers investigate traffic crashes and enforce traffic and criminal laws on the state's roads. Capitol Police officers prevent and detect criminal acts, and enforce traffic regulations throughout Capitol Hill. MCCD officers conduct safety inspections of commercial motor vehicles and inspect highway shipments of hazardous materials.
4

5

INTRODUCTION

GA DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VISION & MISSION

VISION
The Georgia Department of Public Safety is committed to providing the highest level of professional service to its employees, the citizens of Georgia, and visitors to our state. In determining how this service is to be provided, it is imperative that each employee understands and adheres to the mission and core beliefs of our organization. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the Georgia Department of Public Safety to conduct its affairs in a manner consistent with the mission statement and core beliefs outlined herein.
MISSION
The mission of the Georgia Department of Public Safety is to work cooperatively with all levels of government to provide a safe environment for residents and visitors to our state. Although focused primarily on the enforcement of traffic laws and investigation of traffic crashes, the Department of Public Safety will support the efforts of all public safety agencies to reduce criminal activity, apprehend those involved, and respond to natural and manmade disasters. In all of our endeavors, DPS personnel will provide the highest level of customer service while remaining committed to following our core beliefs of trust, fortitude, compassion and professionalism.
6

CORE VALUES

TRUST

FORTITUDE

We are trustworthy. Truth is our hallmark and foundation. Our word is our bond. Truthfulness is what the public expects from us and what we demand of ourselves. We are committed to the highest ethical standards and highest level of performance that is beyond reproach.

We show fortitude. We are committed to persevere through sacrifice and adversity to do the right thing, even at personal cost. In the tradition of those who preceded us, we are confident in our ability to fairly enforce all laws, to protect life and property, and to be accountable for our actions.

COMPASSION

PROFESSIONALISM

We show compassion. We have the courage and wisdom to be fair. We are sensitive to the needs of others and are committed to treat all with dignity and respect.

We are professional. As an elite and diverse team of highly trained, motivated men and women, we are committed to providing effective, efficient, and courteous customer service. We pledge to set innovative standards for others to follow.

7

HIERARCHY
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY

MR. WILLIE C. BOLTON
Retired, Athens-Clarke Co. Government

GOVERNOR BRIAN P. KEMP
Chairman

MR. ELLISON WOOD
Vice Chairman

CHIEF BRUCE CARLISLE
Lavonia Police Department

CHIEF STACEY L. COTTON
Covington Police Department

LT. NICHOLAS D. ELLIS
Jesup Police Department

MR. GEORGE H. HARTWIG, III
D.A., Houston County Judicial Circuit

MR. CHARLES D. SIKES
Retired Special Agent in Charge

MR. RICHARD L. HYDE
Investigator, Balch & Bingham, LLP

8

CHIEF LEONARD MEADOWS
Ware Co. Fire Department

MR. MICHAEL W. NAIL
Commissioner, Dept. of Community Supervison

MR. ROSSIE J. ROSS
Retired Lieutenant, Georgia State Patrol

SHERIFF JOEY TERRELL
Habersham Co. Sheriff's Office

CHIEF CRAIG TULLY
Colquitt-Miller Co. Fire Dept.

MR. TIMOTHY WARD
Commissioner, Department of Corrections

9

HIERARCHY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY COMMAND STAFF

COLONEL CHRIS C. WRIGHT
Commissioner

LT. COLONEL WILLIAM C. HITCHENS
Deputy Commissioner/Commanding Officer

LT. COLONEL STEPHANIE L. STALLINGS Director Support/Administrative Operations

MAJOR JOSHUA LAMB Chief of Staff Commissioner's Office

MAJOR KENDRICK LOWE North Adjutant GSP Field Operations

MAJOR ROBERT BALKCOM South Adjutant GSP Field Operations

MAJOR MARK PERRY Headquarters Adjutant
10

MAJOR AL WHITWORTH Support Operations Adjutant

MAJOR JEREMY VICKERY Commanding Officer Motor Carrier Compliance

MAJOR BILLY BOULWARE Headquarters Adjutant MCCD Administration

11

THE YEAR 2020 IN REVIEW
The year was interrupted the middle of March 2020, when the United States, along with other countries, was faced with the outbreak of a global pandemic, COVID-19. Like most state agencies, this setback required the Department to rethink the way we handled our normal day-to-day operations. Georgia was officially under a State of Emergency and citizens were asked to stay-at-home March 13, 2020. Most civilian DPS employees teleworked from home until May 2020, and began a 50% staff occupancy at Headquarters in Atlanta. Guidelines and the Command Staff directed personnel to follow suggestions of wearing face coverings and maintaining a physical distance of more than six feet. Our Department was asked to set aside our normal duties and assist other agencies with the crisis at hand. The Department also needed to use our manpower to assist Governor Brian P. Kemp with executive orders issued.
Utilizing personnel from the Department of Public Safety (GSP Troopers, MCCD and Capitol Police Officers), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Department of Transportation (DOT), Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security (GEMA/HS) and Georgia Forestry Commission, GSP Troop C (Metro Atlanta) personnel established an emergency distribution/transportation system which delivered critical PPE, laptops, cell phones, COVID test kits and ventilators to every corner of the state. Personnel also coordinated directly with the Director of the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency for the delivery of Remdesivir to critically ill patients around the state. During this critical operation, Troop C manned the RSS and coordinated over 1,400 relays. The executive order also required Troopers and Officers to assist with the enforcement of the provisions of the order. This entailed answering calls for service about the gathering of large crowds and complaints involving businesses and restaurants. Children not attending schools created holiday periods that led to increased traffic on coastal waterways and beaches. Our agency was also asked to assist the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with monitoring and maintaining control of the state's boat ramps and beach access.
Troopers and Officers across the state assisted the Department of Public Health (DPH) as that agency responded to the Global pandemic with stationary security provided at COVID-19 testing sites and safe escorts of COVID-19 vaccinations throughout the state. They assisted with demonstrations and civil unrest in Atlanta, State Capitol and Governor's Mansion security, and brine truck escorts. Troopers also participated in dignitary escorts and security details throughout the Metro-Atlanta area. Troopers and Officers also responded to the DPS Headquarters, State Capitol, Governor's Mansion, ICE Headquarters, APD Headquarters, Atlanta City Hall, APD's zone precincts and Lenox Mall after incidents of vandalism to property and riots.
Some of the requirements of the executive order allowed for uninterrupted travel of COVID-19 related items for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). For example, there were exemptions for weight allowance, hours of service, medical cards, driver's license renewals for commercial motor vehicle drivers, to name a few. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) worked closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and trucking stakeholders to secure one million masks that were distributed by state law enforcement throughout the nation. Motor Carrier officers were asked to assist with getting these masks directly to truckers who maintained our nation's supply chain. MCCD officers utilized weigh stations and rest areas as a means for distribution.
Through all of these changes to our normal operations, Trooper and Officer safety, as well as the safety of the citizens of Georgia was always at the forefront of our decisions.
12

13

GEORGIA STATE PATROL
FIELD OPERATIONS GEORGIA STATE PATROL
"Wisdom, Justice and Moderation" has been the motto of the Georgia State Patrol since its inception in March 1937. It was the motoring public who first advocated the need for the Department of Public Safety. Traffic fatalities, increased crime, and a need for a larger law enforcement agency with statewide arrest powers, led Georgia lawmakers to create the State Patrol. In the summer of 1937, the first Trooper School was held at Georgia Tech and graduated 80 Troopers. To date, the Georgia State Patrol has graduated 109 Trooper Schools.
14

Although focused primarily on the enforcement of traffic laws and investigation of traffic crashes, the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) supports the efforts of all public safety agencies to reduce criminal activity, apprehend those involved, and respond to natural and manmade disasters. Public safety is a 24hour responsibility. Stranded motorists and motor vehicle crashes require that Troopers work around the clock. As of December 31, GSP had 783 Troopers.
The Georgia State Patrol is divided into 52 patrol posts within nine geographic troops and seven specialized units, including NightHawks DUI Task Force, Criminal Interdiction, Implied Consent, Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT), Specialized Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), GSP Dive Team, Motorcycle Unit, and the Regional K-9 Task Force. The North and South Adjutants and their staff are located at the Department of Public Safety Headquarters in Atlanta. Each troop consists of a communications center.

Although COVID-19 details and events commanded a large majority of the efforts of the Troopers and personnel, the Georgia State Patrol continued to participate in multiple events to facilitate safe driving and decrease fatal crashes. These events included enforcement campaigns, safety presentations, special details, Traffic Enforcement Networks, and partnering with other agencies, including Hands Across the Border, a biannual event sponsored by the Governor's Offices of Highway Safety in Georgia; Crimes Against Children Patrols, centered on a Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) training and federal law enforcement campaign, involving child exploitation and human trafficking; and Stop the Threat, a collaboration between Troopers and MCCD Officers to address traffic violations and crimes involving commercial motor vehicles.

15

GEORGIA STATE PATROL
TROOP A is located in northwest Georgia encompassing 14 counties that stretch from Gilmer County and Forsyth County lines on an eastern boundary to the Douglas and Carrol County lines and Alabama State Line on a western boundary. The northern boundaries extend to the Tennessee State Line. Troop A consists of the following posts: Post 3 Cartersville (Bartow and Polk), Post 5 Dalton (Whitfield and Catoosa), Post 28 Jasper (Pickens and Cherokee), Post 29 - Paulding (Haralson and Paulding) Post 38 Rome (Chatooga and Floyd), Post 41 Lafayette (Dade and Walker), and Post 43 Calhoun (Gordon and Murray). TROOP B patrols 20 Northeast Georgia Counties. Troop B members are stationed in five geographic locations: Post 6 Gainesville (White, Hall and Banks), Post 7 Toccoa (Rabun, Habersham, and Stephens), Post 27 Blue Ridge (Gilmer, Fannin, Union and Towns), Post 32 Athens (Barrow, Jackson, Madison, Clarke and Oconee), Post 37 Cumming (Lumpkin, Dawson and Forsyth), and Post 52 - Hartwell (Franklin, Hart, and Elbert). TROOP C covers the ever-growing Metropolitan Atlanta area and oversees the day-to-day operations of four patrol posts, a DUI Task Force, a Motorcycle Unit, and the Communications Center located at DPS Headquarters. It is also headquarters for the State of Georgia SWAT/DIVE Team. Troop C consists of Post 9 Marietta (Cobb and Fulton, North of I-285), Post 47 Forest Park (Clayton, DeKalb, and Fulton, all outside I-285), Post 48 Atlanta (Cobb, Clayton, DeKalb, and Fulton, inside I-285), Post 49 Motorcycle Unit (I-285 and the interstate system within Metro Atlanta), Post 51 (Gwinnett County), Nighthawks North (Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, and Gwinnett), and the Communications Center (Cobb, Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett, GBI Radio Dispatch, Capitol Police Dispatch, Metro MCCD Dispatch).
16

TROOP D consists of seven patrol posts, the Troop D Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team, the Middle Georgia Nighthawks DUI Taskforce and the Troop D Communications Center. It covers 20 counties in the central and west-central portion of the state: Post 1 Griffin (Butts, Henry, and Spalding), Post 2 LaGrange (Harris and Troup), Post 4 Villa Rica (Carroll and Douglas), Post 24 Newnan (Coweta, Heard, and Fayette), Post 26 Thomaston (Crawford, Pike, Taylor, and Upson), Post 34 Manchester (Meriwether, Muscogee, and Talbot), Post 44 Forsyth (Bibb, Lamar, and Monroe), and Nighthawks Middle Georgia. TROOP E is located in the eastern central section of the State of Georgia. The northern end begins in Rockdale County at Interstate 20 and continues south-easterly for approximately 150 miles of the interstate to the Georgia/South Carolina line, ending in Richmond County. The posts that comprise this troop are as follows: Post 8 Madison (Jasper, Putnam, Morgan, and Greene counties), Post 17 Washington (Oglethorpe, Wilkes, Lincoln, and Taliaferro counties), Post 25 Grovetown (Glascock, Warren, McDuffie, Columbia and Richmond counties), Post 33 Milledgeville (Jones, Baldwin, Hancock, and Washington counties), and Post 46 Monroe (Rockdale, Newton, and Walton counties). TROOP F encompasses 21 counties which include the Georgia State Prison and Rogers State Prison in Reidsville and Smith State Prison in Glennville. Nuclear Power Plant Edwin I Hatch is in Appling County and Nuclear Power Plant Vogtle is in Burke County. The troop also patrols a large majority of I-16: Post 16 Helena (Jeff Davis, Telfair, Dodge, Wheeler, and Montgomery counties), Post 18 Reidsville (Appling, Tattnall, and Toombs counties), Post 19 Swainsboro (Emanuel, Treutlen, Jefferson, and Johnson counties), Post 20 Dublin (Laurens, Bleckley, Twiggs, and Wilkinson counties), Post 21 Sylvania (Burke, Jenkins, and Screven counties), and Post 45 Statesboro (Bulloch, Candler, and Evans counties). TROOP G consists of five patrol posts that are located in Americus, Thomasville, Colquitt, Cuthbert, and Albany. The five posts in Troop G cover 23 southwest Georgia counties: Post 10 Americus (Sumter, Schley, Terrell, Webster and Marion counties), Post 12 Thomasville (Thomas, Grady, Mitchell, and Colquitt counties), Post 14 Colquitt (Decatur, Early, Miller and Seminole counties), Post 39 Cuthbert (Calhoun, Clay, Chattahoochee, Quitman, Randolph, and Stewart counties), and Post 40 Albany (Dougherty, Baker, Lee, and Worth counties). TROOP H consists of five Patrol Posts encompassing 19 south and middle Georgia counties. There are 152 miles of Interstate 75 within Troop H that stretches through four post territories. This is the greatest number of interstate miles patrolled in the state. Troop H is also home to the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, Robins Air Force Base, Moody Air Force Base, Valdosta State University, Fort Valley State University, South Georgia College and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College: Post 13 Tifton (Tift, Cook, and Berrien), Post 15 Perry (Houston, Peach, Macon, and Pulaski), Post 30 Cordele (Crisp, Dooly, Turner and Wilcox), Post 31 Valdosta (Lowndes, Brooks, Lanier, and Echols), and Post 36 Douglas (Coffee, Ben Hill, Irwin, and Atkinson). TROOP I has five patrol posts that cover 15 Southeast Georgia counties extending from the Georgia/Florida state line to the Georgia/South Carolina state line. It covers all of I-95 through Georgia, as well as portions of I-16 and I-516 in Chatham County. The entire Georgia coastline is located in the Troop I territory. Points of interest and responsibility within the Troop include the Georgia Ports Authority Terminals in Savannah and Brunswick, Savannah International Airport, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Kings Bay Naval Base, Hunter Army Airfield, Fort Stewart Army Base, the US Coastguard Marine Safety Office, and the Okefenokee Swamp and Wildlife Refuge: Post 11 Hinesville (Liberty, Long, and McIntosh), Post 22 Waycross (Ware, Brantley, Bacon, Clinch, Charlton, and Pierce), Post 23 Brunswick (Glynn, Camden, and Wayne), Post 35 Jekyll Island, Post 42 Rincon (Chatham, Bryan, and Effingham), and Nighthawks South (Bulloch and Chatham). TROOP J is comprised of the Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT), Implied Consent, Safety Education, and the Recruiting Unit. TROOP K is comprised of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and the Criminial Interdiction Unit (CIU).
17

GEORGIA STATE PATROL

Troop A Post 3 Post 5 Post 28 Post 29 Post 38 Post 41 Post 43 TOTALS
Troop B Post 6 Post 7 Post 27 Post 32 Post 37 Post 52 TOTALS
Troop C Post 9 Post 47 Post 48 Post 49 Post 51 NH/North TOTALS
Troop D Post 1 Post 2 Post 4 Post 24 Post 26 Post 34 Post 44 NH/MG TOTALS

Crashes 2,358 2,011 696 2,577 361 838 1,226
10,067
Crashes 3,912 1,035 78 1,684 1,315 1,315 9,891
Crashes 2,994 1,565 2,425 2,231 2,311 211
11,737
Crashes 1,191 1,653 4,232 657 289 591 472 122 9,207

Fatalities 33 29 13 35 12 10 15 147
Fatalities 31 18 2 32 17 17 112
Fatalities 2 32 7 7 0 23 71
Fatalities 25 21 27 17 11 9 8 0 118

Arrests 6,511 7,093 2,722 6,182 2,459 2,658 5,181
32,806
Arrests 11,368 7,188
544 9,179 6,132 6,132 42,516
Arrests 10,829 5,138 5,432 8,231 6,450 2,013 38,903
Arrests 5,618 5,305 7,770 4,890 2,708 4,033 7,202 4,032
41,558

Warnings 7,976 10,851 4,525 9,922 7,102 6,314 7,178
53,868
Warnings 12,123 9,627 559 11,407 10,706 10,706 54,590
Warnings 7,521 5,878 7,883 5,533 9,978 1,908
38,701
Warnings 7,024 6,408 8,949 4,820 4,221 6,188 6,771 3,882
48,263

DUI Arrests 365 213 56 225 114 65 179
1,217
DUI Arrests 245 438 22 316 409 409
1,814
DUI Arrests 71 55 107 23 33 511 800
DUI Arrests 213 196 347 105 84 174 215 743
2,077

Vehicle Stops 7,645 9,097 5,008 9,579 6,330 5,286 6,891
49,836
Vehicle Stops 14,024 10,562 864 12,733 11,072 11,072 61,055
Vehicle Stops 10,015 7,337 7,674 6,608 9,791 2,929 44,354
Vehicle Stops 8,693 7,632 9,235 6,925 5,692 7,079 10,124 5,181
60,561

Troop E Post 8 Post 17 Post 25

Crashes 367 358 835

Fatalities 14 14 13

Arrests 3,197 3,298 6,908

Warnings 3,951 4,713 11,576

DUI Arrests 81 116 523

Vehicle Stops 4,995 5,817 10,142

Post 33

281

20

Post 46

1,191

28

3,080

3,972

127

6,260

9,475

175

5,525 9,310

TOTALS

3,032

89

22,743

33,687

1,022

35,789

18

Troop F Post 16 Post 18 Post 19 Post 20 Post 21 Post 45
TOTALS
Troop G Post 10 Post 12 Post 14 Post 39 Post 40
TOTALS
Troop H Post 13 Post 15 Post 30 Post 31 Post 36
TOTALS
Troop I Post 11 Post 22 Post 23 Post 35 Post 42 NH/South TOTALS

Crashes 538 420 377 609 253 1,271
3,468
Crashes 442 624 360 258 370
2,054
Crashes 930 1,225 396 1,360 661
4,572
Crashes 381 515 615 48 580 137
2,276

GRAND TOTAL

Crashes 56,304

Fatalities 24 17 16 27 11 34
129
Fatalities 10 31 11 8 17
77
Fatalities 21 26 16 17 18
98
Fatalities 32 23 30 0 31 0 116
Fatalities
957

Arrests 2,235 2,935 4,288 3,886 2,768 5,074
21,186
Arrests 2,499 4,280 3,943 2,782 5,152
18,656
Arrests 8,733 5,468 5,199 9,330 5,706
34,436
Arrests 6,654 3,875 6,726 665 11,842 5,560
34,322
Arrests
287,316

Warnings 5,260 6,572 7,245 6,390 4,841 5,747
36,055
Warnings 7,948 9,365 9,132 7,032 9,913
43,390
Warnings 8,152 8,965 4,650 9,619 7,299
38,685
Warnings 8,170 7,958 5,832 1,397 10,523 4,685
38,565

DUI Arrests 172 130 168 131 111 360
1,072
DUI Arrests 143 490 255 147 276
1,311
DUI Arrests 246 208 146 362 318
1,280
DUI Arrests 219 261 370 9 472 1,037
2,368

Vehicle Stops 5,184 6,713 7,648 7,553 5,398 6,891
39,387
Vehicle Stops 7,467 11,155 9,283 7,082 11,630
46,617
Vehicle Stops 10,859 8,752 7,017 11,354 7,503
45,485
Vehicle Stops 10,339 7,845 9,790 1,923 14,130 6,703 50,730

Warnings 385,804

DUI Arrests Vehicle Stops

12,961

433,814

19

GEORGIA STATE PATROL
COMMUNICATIONS CENTERS The Communications Centers handle dispatching duties for all posts assigned to each Troop. In many cases, they also handle calls for Motor Carrier Compliance, Department of Natural Resouces, as well as Georgia Bureua of Investigations. Troop C Communications located at Headquarters also handles calls for Capitol Police Services, and Post 50, as well as enters Mattie's and Levi's Calls for GBI, dispatching Capitol Police officers to 911 calls and active alarms, or utilizing Atlanta Police, Cobb County Police and Gwinett County Police Departments' CAD system to dispatch Troopers to vehicle crashes. As of December 31, there were 153 dispatchers. During 2020, Communications Centers logged the following calls: Troop A - 87,732 calls (342 COVID complaints) Troop F - 45,962 calls (78 COVID complaints) Troop B - 104,659 calls (309 COVID complaints) Troop G - 60,424 calls (105 COVID complaints) Troop C - 170,565 calls (1,213 COVID complaints) Troop H - 70,523 calls (159 COVID complaints) Troop D - 97,511 calls (446 COVID complaints) Troop I - 22,027 calls (246 COVID complaints) Troop E - 45,274 calls (369 COVID complaints)
NIGHTHAWKS DUI TASK FORCE The Georgia State Patrol Nighthawks DUI Task Force has been in operation since October 2004 and is funded by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety H.E.A.T. grant. The Nighthawks North Task Force patrols the five Metro-Atlanta counties of Cobb, Clayton, Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Fulton. The Task Force concentrates on the apprehension of impaired drivers during the peak hours when statistics have shown DUI-related incidents
20

occur. The Nighthawks North Unit also responds to agency assistance calls within the Troop C territory during the overnight hours. Members investigate crashes, perform traffic control, execute legal blood draws, perform medical relays, help to control crime scenes and assist in the apprehension of dangerous criminals. Unit members also perform impaired driving investigations, at the request of local agencies, when additional training is required. During 2020, the Nighthawks North task force made 511 DUI arrests. The Nighthawks North investigated 211 crashes resulting in 23 fatalities. Nighthawks North conducted 2,929 vehicle stops resulting in 2,013 citations.

In late Fall 2009, the Nighthawks DUI Task Force South was created to perform DUI enforcement in Bulloch and Chatham counties and is based out of Post 42 - Rincon. The unit works peak hours when most DUI offenders are on the roadway in order to combat the problem of impaired driving. Nighthawk Troopers assisted the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department and Tybee Island Police Department with road checks and traffic control during major events. They assisted with a DRE detail at the MCCD Scales. Nighthawks South made 6,703 traffic stops which resulted in 5,560 citations, and 1,037 DUI arrests. They also investigated 137 crashes.

In Spring 2012, another Nighthawks DUI Task Force was created in Middle Georgia and it focused its enforcement on impaired driving in Macon and Columbus. From January 2018 through March 2018, the Nighthawks patrolled the cities of Albany and Columbus in Troop G. As of April 1, 2018, the unit was relocated as part of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety Grant and now patrols all areas within Troop D. Nighthawks Middle made 743 DUI arrests, generated 5,181 traffic stops, wrote 4,032 citations, and investigated 122 crashes.

SPECIALIZED COLLISION RECONSTRUCTION TEAM

The Georgia State Patrol's Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT) is made up of nine teams across the state assigned to individual Troops. The primary objective of SCRT is to investigate fatal and serious injury motor vehicle crashes. Members of SCRT have also been tasked by Sheriff's Departments, City and County Police, GBI, and Federal agencies to assist in investigations where technology and techniques used by SCRT have proven valuable. Crash reconstruction involves forensic mapping of crash scenes, computer imaging of vehicle electronics, speed calculations, evidence preservation, and court room presentation. SCRT employs drone technology for forensic mapping, which has been used to document outdoor crime scenes. SCRT collects forensic data from vehicle electronic systems which has been used extensively to help solve many other types of crimes where suspect vehicles have been involved and recovered. SCRT has been recognized by several courts across Georgia as experts in our field and has been tapped by prosecutors to evaluate investigative efforts made by local law enforcement agencies in crash reconstruction. SCRT members also support their respective Troop Commands by providing personnel and equipment for Mobile Field Force Operations, escorts, special details, and concentrated patrol efforts.

SCRT Teams investigated the following cases in 2020:

Troop A - 83 cases (14 counties)



Troop B - 100 cases (21 counties)



Troop C - 105 cases (5 metro area counties)



Troop D - 148 cases (20 counties)

Troop E - 101 cases (20 counties)

Troop F - 67 cases (22 counties Troop G - 46 cases (23 counties) Troop H - 51 cases (19 counties) Troop I - 62 cases (15 counties)

IMPLIED CONSENT UNIT

The mission of the Implied Consent Unit (ICU) is to effectively train, maintain, and administer the breath
21

GEORGIA STATE PATROL
alcohol testing and certification program for all law enforcement agencies in the State subject to the provisions of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated and Georgia Bureau of Investigation Rules and Regulations. ICU members remain on-call around the clock for emergency instrument repairs and courtroom availability. In addition to their regular enforcement responsibilities, ICU members provide a broad range of specialized services designed to complement field operational needs.
Tasked with this important undertaking and in cooperation with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, these sworn GSP members are responsible for inspecting and maintaining all evidential breath testing devices in the State of Georgia. Currently there are nearly 400 instruments Statewide in all 159 counties. During 2020, Implied Consent Unit personnel conducted 1,578 instrument inspections and documented over 3,900 hours of service-related matters.
In addition to performing regular maintenance and quarterly inspections of these breath testing instruments, the members of the ICU provide crucial expert testimony in DUI and DUI related court cases for state, county and local law enforcement agencies statewide. ICU members spent approximately 20 hours in court and other legal proceedings, serving as expert witnesses regarding Intoxilyzer operation, theory and instrumentation. This number was greatly reduced during 2020 due to courts being closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ICU personnel are also responsible for the training and certification of all evidential breath testing device operators. In 2020, this was conducted through 23 two-day basic operator courses and 35 four-hour refresher courses taught at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center and other local area police academies. The ICU also began offering an online re-certification class and conducted 14 online courses during this time. Through these courses, 365 new operators were certified, and 265 existing operators were recertified. Due to COVID-19, there were a total of 12 classes cancelled.
ICU issued 181 arrests, 633 warnings and conducted 623 vehicle stops. ICU members also worked 46 crashes and had 25 motorist assists. The members of the ICU also supplemented field operations on many levels with Troop related special patrols, deployments to protests, COVID related details, GSP honor Guard details and holiday enforcement efforts. Implied Consent Unit members also served as driving and firearms instructors and members of the Peer Support Team.
RECRUITING/OFF-DUTY
Recruiting coordinator maintains a close working relationship with the nine Troop Recruiters who are assigned to the nine different troops in the field. He is responsible for arranging and coordinating all recruiting events, developing strategic marketing plans, providing DPS with a sustainable flow of quality diverse candidates to meet business needs, providing Human Resource with applicants for trooper schools, and providing informational actives at civic organizations, educational institutions, military bases, intrastate and interstate job fairs.
Recruiting Unit accomplishments: Attended approximately 70 recruiting events notwithstanding the fact that during 2020 COVID-19 shut down most all recruiting events at public places. All out of state travel was suspended and in June, each recruiter assigned to the recruiting unit was sent back to their respective troops. The recruiters conducted approximately 25 job fairs at Educational Institutions, 18 at Military Bases, 30 at civic organizations, 40 at other organizations. Events such as Air Shows (Robins AFB Air Show and Moody AFB Air Show) Provided 2,588 applicants for the 110th Trooper School and at last count during 2020, 765 for the 111th Trooper School. Conducted 27 PT evaluations for the 110th Trooper School, and 35 PT evaluations for the 111th
22

23

GEORGIA STATE PATROL
Trooper School. 20 billboards strategically placed around the state to garner attention from any potential candidates. Increased the following on the recruiting Instagram page to 12,100 people.
The Off-Duty Coordinator engages both sworn and civilian employees in outside employment opportunities; provides the employer with the Notice to off-duty employer form upon approval/disapproval of the commissioner or the commissioner's designee; and maintains an approved employee list in accordance with policy. When a prospective employer contacts the Department to request a DPS officer for employment, the coordinator provides the list of approved employees. Tasked with the responsibility of maintaining all files and data entry reference, off-duty employment for all employees hired by the Department. An estimated 800 requests for outside employment forms were approved and 70 part-time employers were approved and added to the database.
Off-Duty office accomplishments: Continued compliance with the revised Off-Duty Policy 5.03. Approved approximately 550 requests for outside employment forms. Approved approximately 50 part-time employers/vendors.
SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS
The State of Georgia SWAT Team provides a highly trained and skilled tactical team as a resource for all law enforcement agencies in the State of Georgia in resolving critical incidents. The State of Georgia SWAT Team was requested to assist with 100 critical incidents during the calendar year 2020. Some of the incidents were resolved prior to our team's arrival, by the requesting agency, others lasted hours. The majority of our requests were to assist with a barricaded gunman or a hostage situation. Others ranged from woodland searches, VIP security details, warrant services for other government agencies, as well as special requests for security details. Finally, the team provided assistance to numerous incidents involving civil unrest in the Atlanta area. One of the fugitive search incidents did involve the use of deadly force and resulted in the death of the suspect.
SWAT Dive Team: The State of Georgia Dive Team was requested 22 times during 2020. The majority of requests were to recover victims of drowning. Other requests were for evidence recovery, mostly weapons used in violent crimes. The mission of the Dive Team is to assist other agencies with critical incidents, recoveries or any other special need which requires working in water.
Members attended eight different public relation details and recruiting events across the state providing a static display of Tactical vehicles, equipment and dive gear. The team also answered numerous questions from all ages about our equipment and callouts. These events included air shows, law enforcement appreciation events and others.
AVIATION DIVISION
The Georgia State Patrol's Aviation Division serves as the State of Georgia's aeronautical search and rescue unit. The unit's mission is to provide search and rescue capabilities, fire suppression, and any other need that would require aerial support for all 159 counties and their respective municipalities. The unit is made up of 13 pilots, three full-time tactical flight officers, and numerous part-time tactical fllight officers comprised of departmental members and various public safety professionals throughout the state. It also has three maintenance technicians, one office administration assistant, and six hangars with 12 aircrafts that are strategically located throughout the state so that response times can be minimized as much as possible. The unit also provides support to GEMA/Homeland Security during natural disasters
24

and state emergencies. Below is a list of accomplishments/activities for the Aviation Division in 2020:
1,142 Missions flown/2,235 Total flight hours 257 Governor's Task Force missions/845 hours 236 Search and Rescue missions/368 flight hours 35 Aerial Surveillance missions/77 flight hours 14 Executive flights/44 flight hours 12 Photo flights/16 flight hours 176 Training flights/223 flight hours 361 NVG flight hours Maintenance flights 58/47 flight hours SWAT support flights 16/25 flight hours Natural Disaster Relief flights 7/22 flight hours Repositioning aircraft for maintenance/call/training 106 flight hours Rescue Hoist four flights/two hours, Short Haul one flight/two hours Property Search flights 27/43 flight hours Traffic Detail flights four/17 hours Funeral Flyover flights four/five hours
CRIMINAL INTERDICTION UNIT
The Georgia State Patrol's Criminal Interdiction Unit (CIU) is a statewide unit tasked with the pro-active enforcement of traffic and criminal laws. During 2020, the unit consisted of seven teams assigned to work major interstate corridors. The Criminal Interdiction Unit had teams assigned to pro-active patrols concentrating on I-20 west of Atlanta, I-20 east of Atlanta, I-75 north of Atlanta, I-75 south of Macon, I-95, I-85 south of Atlanta and I-85 north of Atlanta. The unit had five NCOs (with one also being responsible for K-9 training and certification), a Captain and a Lieutenant. In the second half of 2020, the Criminal Interdiction Unit was reduced to a Lieutenant, four NCOs and eight members due to a manpower shortage at field Posts.
Criminal Interdiction Unit Activity Totals
During 2020, CIU members worked 211 crash investigations, made 1,859 arrests, issued 3,389 warnings, made 12 DUI arrests, 128 felony drug arrests, 54 non-drug felony arrests, and made 73 misdemeanor drug arrests. Criminal Interdiction Unit members made 64 criminal apprehensions, assisted 300 stranded motorists, recovered 66 stolen vehicles, inspected 245 commercial motor vehicles, and conducted 4,603 total traffic stops.
CIU members seized 6.908 kilograms of marijuana, 2.089 kilograms of cocaine, .596 kilograms of methamphetamine, 7,714 dosage units of other dangerous drugs, and .122 kilograms of heroin. They seized 175 weapons and located three hidden or constructed compartments. They also seized a total of $206,303. In addition, 66 recovered stolen vehicles had a value of $1,721,838.
Additionally, CIU members assisted other agencies in seizing over 170.203 kilograms of marijuana, 164.237 kilograms of cocaine, 2,139.240 kilograms of methamphetamine, 75.570 kilograms of heroin, 4617.5 dosage units of other dangerous drugs, and $8,885,864 in illegal drug proceeds. In total, CIU members initiated or assisted in making a total monetary impact of more than $35,264,898 against organized crime elements operating in the State of Georgia.
25

MOTOR CARRIER COMPLIANCE
FIELD OPERATIONS MOTOR CARRIER COMPLIANCE
The Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) performs driver and vehicle inspections of commercial motor vehicles at roadsides, inspection stations, and at carriers' terminals. The inspections range from "full" vehicle and driver inspections, which includes mechanical components, to "driver only" inspections. These may also include inspections of vehicles transporting hazardous materials. To date, the Motor Carrier Compliance Division has graduated four Motor Carrier Officer Schools.
26

The Motor Carrier Compliance Division is divided into 20 weigh stations within nine geographic regions and three specialized units. One specialized unit, operating within Region 3, is the HOT Enforcement Unit. This unit is comprised of two State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) funded officers and two Troopers who patrol HOT lanes in Gwinnett County. The second specialized unit is the Safety Compliance Unit which consists of the New Entrant Safety Audit, Compliance Review, and Region 10. The third specialized unit is the Nuclear Radiological Detection Team (NRAD). This unit that travels the state providing protective sweeps as needed. NRAD conducts multiple missions to include inspections of commercial vehicles transporting radiological materials, assisting in homeland security missions, and assisting local law enforcement agencies with any special request. The administrative staff for MCCD is located at the Headquarters for the Department of Public Safety in Atlanta. As of December 31, MCCD had 237 Officers and 35 weight inspectors.

The primary focus of the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) is the enhancement of highway safety in regard to commercial motor vehicles. MCCD Officers perform in-depth safety inspections of commercial vehicles, operators, and loads to ensure they pose no identifiable risk to the safety of the motoring public. Enforcement of laws and regulations relating to size and weight of commercial motor vehicles and loads are provided for in Article 2 of Chapter 6 of title 32 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. The operation of 19 permanent weigh/inspection stations provides enforcement coverage on the interstates and related by-pass routes.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Program: The commercial vehicle safety program is outlined in the Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan (CVSP), and the annual Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) grant statement to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The CVSP contains five required program areas: Driver/Vehicle Inspections, Traffic Enforcement, Compliance Reviews, Public Information and Education, and Data Collection.

27

MOTOR CARRIER COMPLIANCE
REGION 1 is responsible for 16 counties located in Northwest Georgia. Region 1 operation centers around the Catoosa County Inspection Stations located on I-75 mile marker 343. Region 1 also holds the semiannual Georgia Motor Trucking Association event at the southbound weigh station. Utilizing our GRID system, we strategically assign officers to areas at the times crashes would normally occur.
REGION 2 responsibilities consist of the safety of the general public especially those who travel on Georgia's roadways. Region 2's territory includes 21 counties located in Northeast Georgia and along the Interstate 85 and I-20 corridor from the South Carolina state line thru the metro area of Gwinnett County. Region 2 Operations Centers are Station 4 located on Interstate 85 North mile marker 171 and Station 3 located on Interstate 85 South mile marker 169. We also continued our CMV 101 efforts by educating our counter parts with local police departments and other local law enforcement divisions. Region instructors taught six CMV 101 classes.
REGION 3 is responsible for 13 counties, most of which are located in the Metro Atlanta area. It also includes HOT operations. Region 3 operations center around the Douglas County Inspection Station, located on I-20 eastbound at mile marker 43 and the Carroll County Inspection Station located on I-20 westbound at mile marker 15, as well as Station 7 located at our Headquarters Complex in Atlanta. Officers also serve on a multi-month detachment to provide ample security during the legislative session.
REGION 4 is responsible for 18 counties in east Middle Georgia. Region 4 operations center is at the Columbia County Inspection Stations on I-20 at mile markers 187 and 188. Region 4 also participated in winter events in Atlanta such as salt truck escorts, disaster relief in Albany; and contra flow in Chatham and Bryan counties. Region 4 officers completed seven total outreach presentations requested from local Sheriff's Offices, the Wood Haulers Association, the forestry industry, and local farmers.
REGION 5 is responsible for 18 counties in West Georgia with operations centering around the Troup County Inspection Stations located on Interstate 85, mile marker 23. Region 5 has conducted concentrated checks, Joint Agency Checks which includes, but not limited to speeding, impaired driving, distracted drivers, and seatbelt violations. One of Region 5's officers received the overall "Officer of the Year" award and an award for the most DUI arrests.
REGION 6 is responsible for 22 counties in Central Georgia. Region operations are based in Monroe County, with offices at GSP Post 44 and the inspection stations on I-75, mile marker 190 in Forsyth. Region 6 conducted 12 total concentrated enforcement details; speed enforcement patrols, occupant protection checks, Stop the Threat (STT) high priority traffic enforcement, and impaired driving detail.
REGION 7 is responsible for 18 counties located in South East Georgia. Operations center around the Bryan County Inspection Station located on I-16 mile marker 144 and the Chatham County Inspection Station located on I-95 mile marker 111. Within Region 7 are three counties listed in the top 15 Georgia counties with fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles. Region 7 officers worked tirelessly during the COVID 19 pandemic, checking on parks and recreational facilities that had boat ramps and assisted with the Tybee Police Department in keeping beaches open.
REGION 8 is responsible for 20 counties in South Central and South West Georgia. The Lowndes County Inspection Stations are located on I-75 at the 23 mm. Cedar Springs is located on Ga 273 spur in Early County. Numerous educational outreach events were conducted with both industry and municipal and county law enforcement personnel.
REGION 9 consists of 16 southeast Georgia counties with two permanent inspection stations located on I-95 NB and SB mile marker 55 in McIntosh County. The Region also has a Satellite Station on Georgia 38 in Long
28

County. This Region participates in scheduled events with GMTA (Georgia Motor Trucking Association) and the South Eastern Wood Producers Annual Meetings. Officers also provide Judicial Outreach to the Courts and Municipalities in our area.
REGION 10 responsibilities include Compliance Review and Safety Audits. Region 10 conducted 215 Compliance Reviews and 1,636 Safety Audits on carriers throughout the state. These officers and civilians are required to conduct commercial vehicle inspections and maintain the required number of inspections for certification. Region 10 is also responsible for overseeing the DataQ program and handling complaints against motor carriers who fail to comply with FMCSA regulations. Region 10 conducted 43 compliance investigations, 2,380 off site Safety Audits, 121 on-site Safety Audits, 1,783 Safety Audit Contacts, 13 educational presentations for carriers; prepared five Voluntary Consent Orders (VCOs), 24 enforcement cases, resulting in $143,950.00 in civil penalties; and responded to 2,196 DataQ inspection challenges and 192 crash challenges.
29

MOTOR CARRIER COMPLIANCE

Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6 Region 7 Region 8 Region 9

Overweight Assessments
395 3,979 4,424 1,385 1,620 1,842 1,623 1,364 541

Total Funds for Assessments
$ 89,970.00 $ 403,638.00 $ 627,499.08 $ 303,013.50 $ 231,239.00 $ 356,751.00 $ 330,965.79 $ 357.533.30 $ 122,317.50

Safety Inspections
5,771 929 14,142 7,603 4,547 8,444 8,603 6,452 8,739

Traffic Citations
1,969 662 4,777 1,995 1,182 3,253 2,321 1,420 1,865

Drivers Out of Service
141 62 773 486 127 307 145 239 493

Vehicles Out of Service
127 87 1,853 1,029 150 401 162 199 1,454

30

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT Both nationally and statewide, unsafe commercial driver behavior is linked to most at-fault commercial vehicle crashes. Therefore, all MCCD Officers routinely perform traffic enforcement duties statewide. MCCD Officers use both LIDAR and RADAR to detect speeding violations. MCCD Officers also enforce all criminal and traffic laws to ensure compliance with commercial vehicle safety laws, rules, and regulations. COMMERCIAL DRIVER-VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTIONS The Department receives several federal grants from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to conduct commercial driver-vehicle inspections and related activities statewide. These inspections must be performed in accordance within the guidelines set forth by FMCSA and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). MCCD Officers are trained and certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) to perform these safety compliance inspections. SIZE AND WEIGHT ENFORCEMENT A critical component of MCCD duties and responsibilities is the protection of the state's highway infrastructure (roads and bridges). Accordingly, MCCD enforces Georgia laws, rules, and regulations relating to size and weight of commercial motor vehicles and the loads thereon. Such laws are provided for in Article 2 of Chapter 6 of title 32 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. MCCD operates 20 permanent weigh/inspection stations in Georgia, which includes 19 permanent stations on interstate highways, and one semi-permanent station on GA 273 Spur in Early County, GA. MCCD provides size and weight enforcement coverage on both interstate and non-interstate highways in Georgia. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE SECTION The Regulation Compliance Section is responsible for regulating the for-hire transportation of persons, property such as Household goods and regulating Non-Consensual Towing companies. This unit is responsible for registering companies with Unified Carrier Registration and Georgia Intrastate Motor Carrier Registration. This gives these companies authority to haul interstate and intrastate commerce. Non-Consensual Towing: Non-Consensual towing regulates towing companies that tow illegally parked vehicles form private property. Non-Consensual Towing has one full time employee, who is responsible for regulating over 300 active Non-Consensual Towing companies. In 2020, there were 306 towing permits issued totaling $91,800, and nine consent agreements sent to noncompliant towing companies totaling $4350. Twenty complaints were investigated, and nine cease and desist orders were issued during the year. This unit collected $96,150.00 in Non-Consensual Towing fees. Household Goods: The Household Goods programs regulates movers who provide for-hire services in Georgia. This unit has one full-time employee that handles all applications, audits, complaints, and investigations on household good movers. In 2020, there were a total of 47 certificates issued. Out of the 47 certificates issued, 21 of them were new companies. Sixty audits were conducted, 14 complaints were reviewed, and eight cease and desist orders were issued. There were 11 training classes and one outreach facilitated for the Household Good's Association. This unit collected $9,567.00 in revenue through application fees and civil penalties. For Hire Transportation Services: For-Hire Transportation services are companies like Uber, Lyft, and taxi companies that provide transportation to individuals for a fee. This unit has one full-time employee that handles all the registrations for For-Hire Transportation services. For the 2020 registration, there was a total of 284 For-Hire Transportation Service Licenses reviewed. There was one complaint reviewed. The regulatory unit is currently handling registrations for 2021. As of December 31, the Department has issued 59 For-Hire Transportation Service License for 2021's registration. This unit collected $21,300.00 in total fees. Passenger Carrier and Limousines Section: The Passenger Carrier and Limousine section has one full time and one-part time employee. They are responsible for handling approximately over 924 passenger and limousine carrier accounts. In 2020, they issued 81 new permits, 15 passenger permits, 32 passenger certificates and 34 interim limousine certificates. There were 32 audits performed and seven cease and desist orders issued, and two complaints investigated. There were 11 training sessions conducted during 2020. This section collected $7,114. 00 in total fees.
31

MOTOR CARRIER COMPLIANCE
Unified Carrier Registration and Georgia Intrastate Motor Carrier Registration Section: The UCR/ GIMC section has two full-time employees, two positions open, and two temporary employees. This section is responsible for the registration of over 7,011 carriers for GIMC, and over 31,941 carriers for UCR registration. The UCR/GIMC registration gives intrastate and interstate carriers operating authority to haul goods and services in and through the state of Georgia. This unit collected the following registration fees: 1. GIMC funds deposited for 2021 - $30,635.00 (includes collected fees paid for registration years 2020 and
2021 (from 01/01/2021 01/14/2021) a. GIMC Active registrations for 2021 - 5,958 (from 10/01/2020 01/14/2021) b. GIMC Inactive registrations for 2021 - 1,007 (from 10/01/2020 01/14/2021) c. GIMC New registrations for 2021 46 (from 01/01/2021 01/14/2021) 2. UCR funds deposited for 2021 - $2,660,060.00 effective January 13, 2021 a. UCR funds deposited - $1,454,379.00 November 15, 2020 b. UCR funds deposited - $947,193.00 December 15, 2020 c. UCR funds deposited - $257,901.00 January 13, 2021
32

OVERWEIGHT CITATION SECTION The Overweight Citations Section consists of one working supervisor and two full time customer service personnel. This unit receives payments from carriers that that have been issued civil citations for violating Georgia weight law limitations. Additionally, Georgia law provides for the impounding of violating vehicles when assessment fees remain unpaid. This unit manages the impound program and provides remedies that may allow carriers to simultaneously operate their business and pay delinquent fines. The Overweight Citations Unit receives and processes carrier request for administrative law hearings to contest overweight assessments. In 2020, the unit collected $ 2,415,871.75 for a total of 11,501 overweight citations. SAFETYNET PROGRAM SECTION The SafetyNet Unit collects data from all unit officers in the 10 Regions. MCCD has a total of 241 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). CVSA is a non-profit association of local, state, provincial, territorial and federal commercial motor vehicle safety officials and industry representatives. From January 1, to December 31, the Safetynet Unit accounted for and processed 78,031 driver vehicle inspections reports and uploaded these to the Federal MCMIS (Motor Carrier Management Information System) database. As a requirement, the unit also performs certifications on the total number of driver vehicle inspection reports returned from the motor carrier industry. During the year, Safetynet Unit certified approximately 85% of the total number of inspections performed. The Safetynet Unit maintains crash data on commercial vehicles received through an interface with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and Lexis-Nexis (contractor for GDOT). Commercial accidents must meet the federal reporting criteria of being a fatality, injury, or tow-away. From January 1 December 31, the unit reviewed over 5,662 commercial vehicle crashes and uploaded the data to the MCMIS database. The SafetyNet Unit is also tasked with the preparation and evaluation of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Plan (CVSP) required annually by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for MCSAP funding. Other federal grant requests, quarterly and annual reports are also prepared by the unit. DATA Q'S SECTION Region 10 is responsible for overseeing the DataQ program for FMCSA. A DataQ is a request for data review (RDR). The DataQ team responses to challenges from carriers on roadside inspections and crashes. The DataQ Unit is comprised of two officers and one civilian. SCHOOL BUS SAFETY UNIT In November 2019, the board of Public Safety approved the creation of the School Bus Safety unit. The unit's official first day was January 1, 2020. The School Bus Safety Unit is responsible for conducting safety inspections on school buses in operation on the roadways of Georgia. This Unit has 10 sworn officers (eight Officers and two supervisors) assigned, throughout the state, to conduct the safety inspections. In addition to their regular duties ensuring the safety of Georgia's local school bus fleets, they also preform the regular duties of a certified MCSAP officer to ensure that the commercial motor vehicle traffic operating on Georgia's roadways is doing so in a safe manner and following Georgia's traffic laws and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's rules and regulations. The unit commander, not only oversees the day-to-day operations of the unit, but works closely with the Georgia Department of Education. He is a board member of the school bus specification committee, and a board member with the Georgia Association of Pupil Transportation. School Bus Crash Data: Crash data information was gathered from what was reported to the School Bus Safety Unit, the Georgia Department of Education, and Georgia traffic crash reports. Total crashes reported for the 2020 school year were 53. There were numerous injuries but there were no fatalities on board any school bus for the 2020 school year.
33

MOTOR CARRIER COMPLIANCE
School Bus Driver Outreach Program: This program is a proactive and interactive safety program between the state officers performing safety inspections and the county and municipal school bus operation partners. This program allows an open discussion forum for officers, school bus drivers. mechanics, and transportation directors to come together and exchange ideas on how to safely transport Georgia's approximately 1.3 million students (under pre COVID-19 circumstances) one way per day. Combining school's morning routes with their afternoon routes translates to 2.6 million students moved. In 2020, there were approximately 29 safety outreach meetings held across the state. There were approximately 406 drivers, mechanics, and transportation directors in attendance. Topics discussed during these meetings were, pre-trip inspections, and crash causational factors that contribute to school bus accidents, out of service criteria updates, and school bus specifications, and new school bus inspection concepts.

School Bus Safety Unit By The Numbers: The School Bus Safety Unit conducted 20,233 school bus safety inspections. These inspections discovered 19,980 defects with 2,708 of those defects being Out of Service defects causing 2,172 school buses to be removed from service until the Out of Service condition was corrected. Once the out of service condition is corrected the school bus is then reinspected by a School Bus Safety Unit officer. If the school bus passes that inspection, then the school bus can be placed back into service. When averaging the 20,233 school bus inspections across the eight officers, they average approximately 2,529 Level 1 school buses inspected per officer per year, in addition to their commercial motor vehicle inspections and yearly training requirements. In addition to local government school bus inspections, the unit also conducted 251 ASPEN school bus inspections (which is a commercially operated school bus) discovering 189 violations with 27 of those violations being an out of service violation causing 25 buses to be placed out of service.

MCSAP Officers (Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program) conduct 1,861 MCSAP inspections, discovering 3,046 violations and a total of 278 Out of Service inspections. They placed 57 Drivers Out of Service and placed 236 Commercial Motor Vehicles Out of Service. They also conducted 356 CMV inspections (19% of inspections) where the cargo being transported was hazardous material.

Inspection Type
School Bus
ASPEN School Bus
Inspeciton Type
CMV Aspen

Number of 20,233 251
1,861

Crash Totals 2020

53

2020

Type

Number of

Safety Defects 19,980

Violations

189

Violations

3,046

No. of OOS Defects 2,708
27
OOS Inpections 278 Outreach Program Meeting 29

OOS Drivers OOS Vehicles

N/A

2,172

0

25

OOS Drivers OOS Vehicles

57

236

Number in Attendance

406

SPECIAL OPERATIONS UNIT The Nuclear Radiological Detection (NRAD) Team was scheduled to conduct detection operations in support of the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Festival, NCAA College Basketball, Atlanta Braves, and Master's Golf Tournament in Augusta. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these coordinated operations were cancelled. The NRAD Team participated in the DPS State Asset Response Plan conducting operations around Atlanta for the presidential election. In addition, NRAD conducted two CMV hazmat inspection details along with a multi-agency strike force operation around the Port of Savannah. At the conclusion of 2020, there were 18 trained team members. MOTOR CARRIER COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS

34

Compliance Review Program (Investigation and Safety Analysis): This program is one of the five elements of the MCSAP plan. The Compliance Review unit consists of five compliance review officers and two compliance review civilian employees that are cross trained to conduct safety audits and conduct both interstate and intrastate safety compliance reviews. These on-site examinations of motor carrier operations include reviewing driver's hours of service, maintenance and inspection of vehicles, driver qualification files, controlled substance and alcohol testing, CDL requirements, financial responsibility, accidents, hazardous materials, and other safety and transportation records. This review is intended to provide information to evaluate the safety performance and regulatory compliance of a company's operation. This unit is also responsible for the preparation of civil penalty cases for prosecution of serious safety violations found during these reviews. All compliance review officers and civilians are trained in Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA). New Entrant Safety Audit Program: The New Entrant Safety Audit Program is responsible for performing safety audits on new interstate motor carriers based in Georgia within 12 months (four months for passenger carriers) in receipt of new entrant registration. The Safety Audit Unit is comprised of four officers and seven civilians who are cross-trained to conduct compliance review investigations, and one administrative civilian who handles carrier contacts, questions, and carrier reclassifications.
35

CAPITOL POLICE DIVISION
FIELD OPERATIONS CAPITOL POLICE DIVISION
Officers with the Capitol Police Division (CPD) investigate criminal incidents and traffic crashes; manage street closures for events; patrol the streets on Capitol Square and those adjacent to other state buildings; provide courtroom security for Georgia's Supreme Court and Court of Appeals; conduct security assessments and surveillance detection; and deliver personal safety training for state employees and others.
36

The Capitol Police Division (CPD) is tasked with the responsibility of providing primary law enforcement and security duties for the Georgia State Capitol, the Coverdell Legislative Office Building, Judicial Building, Sloppy Floyd Towers, Two Peachtree, and all other state owned buildings located on Capitol Hill. These buildings house constitutional, legislative, and judicial officers of the state, in addition to the state employees that occupy offices in each of these buildings. The Capitol Police Division headquarters building includes a 297-person capacity auditorium. The CPD Command office schedules the auditorium for DPS events and permits reservations by other state agencies. Several state agencies, including DPS, held 17 various training sessions, ceremonies, and conferences in the auditorium throughout the year. As of December 31, there were 20 Capitol Police Officers and 14 Safety Officers.

Capitol Police Services: Capitol Police officers respond to public safety issues, and secure and protect the state's assets, resources, personnel, and visitors on Capitol Hill. In addition to the day to day operations, the Capitol Police Division establishes and manages access and security policies for the Capitol Square area in conjunction with building tenants, government leadership, and the Georgia Building Authority. Capitol Polices Services is responsible for planning and providing security and law enforcement services for all public events in the Capitol Square area, including, but not limited to: Investigating criminal activity and prosecuting those found to violate the law; public protests, demonstrations, and counterdemonstrations; news conferences; lyingin-state ceremonies; VIP and dignitary visits; and political rallies. In addition to traffic enforcement, Officers made 95 misdemeanor, eight felony arrests, and conducted 4,325 foot patrols around Capitol Hill.

37

CAPITOL POLICE DIVISION
Georgia State Patrol, Post 50-Capitol Hill: The Troopers of Post 50 control the access into the State Capitol by checking all state employees, visitors, and other personnel for valid identification. This includes screening all incoming packages, deliveries, and mail. They provide security for all elected officials, state employees and visitors at the State Capitol. Post 50 Troopers also provide security for all buildings on Capitol Hill by conducting patrols in and around these buildings. Troopers, including supervisors, are required to secure the Georgia Court of Appeals, Georgia Supreme Court, the Coverdale Legislative Office Building, and the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget building. Post 50 consists of 20 troopers, three corporals, one sergeant and one sergeant first class. Post 50 conducted 8,644 foot patrols around Capitol Hill. Capitol Hill Security Section: The Capitol Hill Security Officers control and monitor access to the State Capitol, Coverdell Legislative Office building, the Judicial building, the Trinity-Washington building, the Health buildling, and several loading dock areas. The Capitol Hill Security section consists of three security officer supenisors and 11 non-sworn security officers. Additionally, the security staff aids the Capitol Police Services Section as Capitol Hill events are scheduled, and adequate secruity measures are implemented for each event. Most outside events were held in Liberty Plaza, which is adjacent to the State Capitol. CONTRACT SECURITY The Capitol Police Division also oversees private security personnel through Dynamic Security, Inc. Dynamic Security has a site manager and 43 uniformed unarmed guards, who monitor and control access to other state facilities on Capitol Hill. These buildings include the Two Peachtree Street building, the Sloppy Floyd Building (Twin Towers), 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive building (GBA), and the Judicial Courtyard. CAPITOL HILL EOD K9 TEAM The Capitol Hill EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) K9 Unit consists of five canine teams. They are responsible for responding to suspicious package notifications and bomb threats on Capitol Hill. They also proactively sweep the Capitol, the Governor's Mansion, and other state buildings routinely. The EOD K9 Unit assists other law enforcement agencies throughout the state with bomb threats upon request. The unit conducted 741 sweeps and responded to 60 suspicious package/bomb threat call-outs. Additionally, the unit completed approximately 1,380 training hours and staged 22 K9 demonstrations in 2020. The Capitol Police Division acquired one new canine for the EOD K9 Unit. LEGISLATIVE DETAIL Each year, beginning in January, the Capitol Police Division is delegated the responsibility of monitoring and providing security for the Legislative Session of the Georgia General Assembly. There were six sworn Officers assigned to the 2020 Legislative Session detail under the supervision of the Assistant Director of the Capitol Police Division. COMMUNICATIONS The Capitol Police Division's Communication personnel receive all radio traffic for calls for service, monitor surveillance video, parking decks alarms, and building elevator systems. Furthermore, they manage building access controls, conduct security background checks, and monitor all of the duress alarms in place on Capitol Hill. MAIL SERVICES The Capitol Police Division Mail Services Unit consists of one supervisor and one employee. The unit is not only responsible for the distribution of mail within the division, but it is also tasked with screening all incoming mail for the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Legislature, and Supreme Court. The Mail Services Unit screened 74,216 parcels throughout the year.
38

ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY

SWORN OFFICER ACTIVITY

Arrests from Traffic Stops

282

Vehicle Stops

735

Suspicious Persons/Packages/Vehicles

1,017

Traffic Crashes

68

Calls for Service

740

NON-SWORN SECURITY ACTIVITY

Security Location Checks (non-sworn officers)

16,611

Unsecured Doors

28

Unlocked Building Doors

16, 639

Unlocked Parking Decks and Courtyard Areas

1,070

COMMUNICATIONS ACTIVITY

Duress Alarms Answered

159

Fire Alarms Answered

67

Elevator Entrapments

226

GCIC Hits

22

SPECIAL DETAILS AND EVENTS Throughout 2020, members of the Georgia State Patrol Field Operations, Motor Carrier Compliance Division, SWAT Team, and National Guard assisted the Capitol Police Division with over 180 protests, riots, and demonstrations.

There were 249 events scheduled by the Georgia Building Authority (GBA), which required security and police presence in 2020. The events were predominantly held inside the Capitol and Libery Plaza. Below is a portion of the larger events that required Capitol Police, GSP Post 50, and Safety Officer staffing:

January 22, 2020 May 7, 2020 June 19, 2020 June 26, 2020 July 22, 2020 July 29, 2020

Georgia March for Life (1,500 attendees) National Day of Prayer (3,000 attendees) OneRace Gathering (1,500 attendees) March for Education (1,100 attendees) Rev. C. T. Vivian Memorial (500 attendees) Rep. John Lewis Memorial (1,000 attendees)

Construction on a new security fence surrounding the Capitol building began in late 2020. The addition of the fence will aid personnel in maintaining the security of the Capitol grounds and its inhabitants. In collaboration with our GBA partners, Capitol Police personnel continue to improve security measures and risk management procedures.

39

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
LEGAL SERVICES OFFICE
The Legal Services Office provides assistance to the Commissioner and to the employees of the Department concerning any matters associated with the day-to-day operations of the department. Members of the Legal Services staff work closely with Human Resources Division staff on issues related to compliance with labor and employment laws, matters related to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity, and the Department of Labor. Members of the Legal Services staff regularly provide training to the Department's employees during Trooper School, in-service training, and departmentwide training on a variety of topics. Members of the Legal Services staff serve as the agency representative before Administrative Law Judges in personnel appeals, hearings related to overweight and oversized commercial vehicles, and other administrative hearings.
The Open Records Unit is responsible for processing open records requests from the public with a focus on prompt and efficient customer service. This unit also provides guidance and assistance to Department employees who respond to open records requests. In 2019, the ORU responded to 37,269 open records requests. In 2020, the ORU responded to 36,361 open records requests, including 10,250 requests made via EPORTS. The number of requests to which the ORU responded in 2020 was less than 3% different from 2019--even despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on workplace operations nationwide. It should be noted that this number does not reflect that many single requests incorporate production of multiple types of reports (e.g., crash, incident, citation, videos, and photos), all logged under the same request number. In 2020, implementation of the Charging Chart and EPORTS drove reimbursement fees for ORU production tasks to $29,803.18.
The Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Program is part of the Nighthawk DUI Task Force grant, which the Governor's Office of Highway Safety awarded to the Department. The grant provides specific funding for an ALS attorney and a paralegal. The ALS attorney serves as a Department representative and assists troopers at ALS hearings. In addition, the ALS attorney provides assistance at ALS hearings for Troopers assigned to the Nighthawks DUI Task Force, including the majority of hearings in metropolitan Atlanta, Savannah, Statesboro, Albany, and Columbus. The ALS attorney assists troopers statewide with questions regarding DUI and ALS issues and conducts DUI/ALS training for all new troopers attending Trooper School.
In 2020, some of the activities performed by the Legal Services staff were:
Reviewed, revised or drafted approximately 135 contracts, agreements, or memoranda of understanding.
Opened 36,361 Open Records requests. Opened approximately 1,240 Administrative License Suspension cases and filed motions and briefs
in approximately 575 cases and served as the agency representative at the related ALS hearings. Opened 29 overweight/oversize citation cases and served as the agency representative at 10
administrative hearings. The agency settled 13 cases prior to an administrative hearing. Six of the petitioners withdrew their cases prior to an administrative hearing. Opened and processed 238 legal case files. Opened and assisted with 18 litigation files. Published the monthly DPS Legal Review which is distributed to employees, as well as other law enforcement agencies and interested parties. Reviewed and drafted language for the Department's policy regarding Small Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) operations, pertaining to the Department's approximately 50 drones. Reviewed and drafted contracts regarding the Office of Public Safety Support's (OPSS) Post-Critical Incident Seminars, including agreements with vendors for meeting space and lodging; contracts with
40

mental health professionals providing training and services at OPSS seminars; and training for OPSS Peer Counselors. Reviewed all Department of the Treasury Requests for Transfer of Property Seized/Forfeited by a Treasury Forfeiture Fund Participating Agency submitted by Georgia State Patrol Sergeant assigned to the Homeland Security Investigations SAC Atlanta. Reviewed requests for use of the Department's nomenclature, symbols, emblems, seals, and badges, current or historical, to ensure no unauthorized use thereof; also reviewed instances of unauthorized use brought to the Department's attention to determine appropriate response.
OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
The Office of Professional Standards (OPS) ensures the Department's adherence to ethical standards, performance criteria and commitment to public service by conducting a variety of investigations including internal affairs matters, pre-employment background cases, some criminal activity and violations of speed detection device and light permits. The business components of OPS include Internal Affairs, Background Investigations, Polygraph, Permits, and support staff.
Internal Affairs Unit: The Internal Affairs Unit investigates allegations of misconduct against members of the Department of Public Safety, including the Georgia State Patrol, Motor Carrier Compliance Division, and Capitol Police Division. The Internal Affairs Unit also investigates complaints alleging the misuse of red and blue lights, and speed detection devices by any agency bearing the Department's certification, as well as assessing threats made against the Department's interests and some criminal activity. During 2020, the Department of Public Safety initiated 702 investigations. Of this number, 27 were complaint investigations conducted by field troop officers or Human Resources staff, while the remaining were investigations conducted by the Internal Affairs Unit. The table below is a summary of the types and number of cases investigated during 2020:

Abuse of Authority

1

Accident Investigation

2

Administrative-Other

3

Agency Assist-Pre Employment/Other

578

Bias Based Profiling

0

Chaplain Background

0

Citizen Complaint Other

1

Conduct Unbecoming

4

Criminal

4

Domestic Misconduct

2

Harassment/Hostile Work Environment

3

Impersonating a Trooper

0

Improper Conduct

11

Improper Search and Seizure

0

Improper Use of Speed Detection Device

2

Lost/Damaged/Misuse of Equipment

7

Misconduct during Traffic Stop

9

Mishandling of Evidence

2

41

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Off-Duty Misconduct

7

Officer Involved Shooting

6

Other

3

PIT/Pursuits

9

POST Arrest

14

Speed Detection Device Complaint Investigations

3

Theft

0

Threat Assessment

18

Title VI

4

Use of Force/Firearm Discharge

4

Violation of Technology Policy

4

Work Performance

1

TOTAL

702

Pre-Employment: OPS is responsible for coordinating the function of pre-employment background investigations for candidates seeking to join the Department of Public Safety. During 2020, the Background Investigation Section managed 484 pre-employment applications from Human Resources. There were 241 applicants for employment who did not meet the Department's employment standards and were disqualified from further consideration. There were 71 applicants who withdrew prior to the completion of their pre-employment investigations. The preemployment investigations performed by field personnel (GSP Lieutenants, NCOs, and MCCD SFCs) who were assisted by OPS members resulted in 96 applicants being hired by the DPS. The 6,358 applicants aspired to be considered for the following positions: 3,522 GSP troopers, 921 dispatchers, 185 Motor Carrier (for the positions of Cadet and Weight Inspector), 446 Capitol Police/Safety Officers, and 1,284 Others (secretary, clerk, computer services technologist, mechanic, and others).

Polygraph Unit: During 2020, 554 screening polygraph examinations were administered by the DPS OPS that included two examinations administered at the request of a local law enforcement agency. There were no diagnostic or event-specific examinations (internal affairs) exams administered. During the year, new sound resistant polygraph suites were constructed that offered upgraded audio/video equipment, computers, and new furnishings. At a rate of two exams per day, per examiner, OPS has the ability to simultaneously administer 10 exams with a total capacity of 20 exams daily.

42

Speed Detection Device Permits: During 2020, OPS administered the statewide issuance of 182 speed detection device permits to law enforcement agencies. Of those permits, 114 were issued to cities or municipalities, 61 to sheriff's offices, and seven to college or universities.
Light Permits: OPS is responsible for reviewing applications and issuing permits for the use of Amber, Blue, and Red Flashing or Revolving Lights. From January through December 2020, OPS administered the issuance of 64,272 Amber Light Permits, 611 Blue Light Permits, and 330 Red Light Permits.
Window Tint Permits: OPS is responsible for reviewing applications and issuing permits for exemption to the Window Tint Law. From January through December 2020, OPS administered the issuance of 339 Window Tint Permits.
Additional Accomplishments: Members of OPS continued to aid the Department's Training Office by providing instruction in GSP Basic Trooper schools, POST IT Training, POST Supervision Training, and DPS in-service classes. OPS also supports the Georgia Internal Affairs Investigators Association (GIAIA) with one member who serves on the GIAIA Board.
OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH
The Office of Planning and Research is responsible for developing and maintaining the Department's strategic plan, the bi-annual review of the Department's policies, Uniform Crime Reporting, major event planning, and other special projects as directed by the Commissioner.
National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) worked with the Technology Division, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the agency's RMS software vendor to transition to NIBRS.
US Dept. of Justice National Use of Force Reporting served as the Department representative to report data monthly regarding officer-involved shootings to the US Dept. of Justice.
Policy Manual Review is responsible for facilitating the ongoing bi-annual review of the agency's policy manual.
Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) collected and reported enforcement data during designated enforcement periods to submit as part of this national effort sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). The enforcement data collected is used by law enforcement leaders to make data-driven decisions regarding roadway safety initiatives.
Research Projects conducted research, compiled data, and generated reports on a myriad of topics relative to the agency's current and future needs. This information is used in the assessment of agency operations, data comparison, executive level briefings, etc.
43

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION
The Human Resources Division provides services including recruitment, job development, compensation analysis, policy development and consultation, personnel transactions/benefits processing, employee relations and career development for the more than 1,500 employees of the Department of Public Safety. In addition, Georgia Firefighters Standard and Training (GFFST), Peace Officers Standard and Training Council (P.O.S.T.), Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) and the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) with more than 225 positions/employees are administratively attached to DPS for benefits and transactions services.
Held testing and assessment centers in partnership with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government Convened 19 Promotion Boards to provide opportunity for eligible sworn personnel to compete for
promotion into established supervisory vacancies, using video conferencing technology. Reviewed requests for position re-classifications based on operational or organizational changes. Made recommendations regarding the appropriate position classification and compensation. Provided guidance to DPS Managers about issues associated with COVID-19, including return to work
protocols for impacted employees. Monitored and tracked employees on leave for COVID-19 related reasons in order to assess DPS,
division and unit level staffing impacts and operational readiness. Provided key staffing metrics to leadership on a weekly and monthly basis to identify trends and
determine the effectiveness of recruiting strategies. Received over 3,522 applications for Trooper School during this period Staffed the 110th Trooper School and initiated the application process for the 111th Trooper
School scheduled for 2021. Worked closely with the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) and the Capitol Police as they
actively recruited to achieve their statewide staffing goals. Updated the DPS Standard Operating Procedure - 1.01 Employment Standards in partnership
with the Office of Professional Standards Processed 3,154 transactions which included employee transfers, promotions, salary increases, new
hires and terminations. Maintained accurate personnel files, employment records, leave/time-keeping records and kept sworn
employees' employment history for POST updated. Scanned/re-scanned thousands of documents into our Document Management System for purposes
of digitizing personnel files and records. Processed leave adjustments for 763 employees to ensure time-keeping records were accurate. Implemented and communicated the requirements of the 2020 Families First Coronavirus Response
Act, and ultimately reviewed and processed 245 related leave requests. Investigated, resolved and/or responded to employee complaints regarding workplace issues. Consulted with individual managers on a wide variety of workplace issues specific to employee
performance and behavior. Provided guidance to ensure compliance with employment laws, state personnel board rules and DPS
policy. Assisted in the resolution of interpersonal conflict between employees. Assisted employees with the process of addressing operational issues through their chain of command. Provided assistance and guidance regarding requests for Reasonable Accommodation. Provided key workforce data such as turnover trends to agency leadership. Implemented mandatory sexual harassment training to all agency managers, employees, contractors
and temporary staff. Updated numerous DPS policies (Performance Management Process, Discipline, Uniform and
Appearance and Teleworking) to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, state personnel board rules and other state policies and procedures.
44

COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE
Accounting: The Accounting Section is responsible for maintaining the DPS accounting books and records for the Department of Public Safety/Georgia State Patrol and four attached agencies; Georgia Firefighters Standard and Training (GFFST), Peace Officers Standard and Training Council (P.O.S.T.), Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) and the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). The section consists of accounts payable, accounts receivable/revenue, payroll, grants, and general ledger activity.
The amount of revenue for the Overweight Citations Unit transferred to the State Treasury was $1,632,083.33 for Fiscal Year 2020. Revenue received from the Motorcycle Patrol Unit for Fiscal Year 2020:

Atlanta Municipal Court: DeKalb State Court: Fulton Magistrate Court: Total

$ 493,614.42 $ 6,093.81 $ 4,619.29 $ 504,327.52

Accounts Payable: The Accounts Payable section processed 5,104 checks and 11,298 electronic funds transfers. The Department remitted surplus from state and other funds back to the State Treasury in the amount of $22,263,950.46.

Payroll: The Payroll Office is responsible for maintaining all payroll related reports and processing payroll twice a month for the Department of Public Safety and four attached agencies. Payroll is also responsible for balancing and issuing W-2s to all current and former employees of DPS and the attached agencies. In 2020, 2,068 W-2s were issued. The Payroll Office assists employees with any questions regarding W-2s, as well as payroll related questions. Payroll also works closely with the State Accounting Office (SAO) to resolve all payroll problems related to PeopleSoft.

Grants: The Grants Administrators' duties include writing grants, preparing the reimbursement claims, maintaining budgets, and adhering to federal guidelines on spending. The section also manages all projections and expenditures throughout the year for grants. The following grants/funds were awarded to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) during State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2020:

Administrative License Suspension Program & Nighthawks: In SFY 2008, the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) combined the Administrative License Suspension Program with the Nighthawk DUI Task Force into one grant for $725,100.00. This funding continues providing legal assistance to State Troopers at civil hearings for DUI suspension of driver licenses. The grant provides for one attorney, one paralegal, travel related to court appearances, and administrative support services. This grant also continues to provide funding for the operation of multiple DUI Task Forces. The Nighthawks Unit North is focused on the five-county metropolitan area, the Nighthawks Unit Middle Georgia is focused primarily on areas within Troop D, and the Nighthawks Unit South is primarily focused on the Chatham and Bulloch County areas. The units conduct concentrated patrols, road checks, and provide educational information to the public as part of their outreach efforts. The grant provides funding for 26 troopers, a unit secretary, and other operational expenses. The Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2019 grant, for both units combined, was $3,311,891.42.

K-9 Explosive Ordnance Disposal: Grant funds of $6,000.00 were awarded from The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to provide funding for Georgia State Patrol-Capitol Police explosives-detection dogs supplies.

45

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
K-9 Regional Task Force: The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) awarded $352,199.00 to provide continuation funding for the Regional K-9 Task Force. The grant provides funding for the unit commander, seven deputies, a secretary, and veterinary expenses. DPS did not retain any grant funds in FY20 and all funds were passed to the Chatham County Sheriff's Office.
Governor's Task Force: The Federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) awarded $858,000.00 to provide air and ground search and destroy missions for marijuana eradication efforts in Georgia.
SWAT/DIVE TEAM: Grant funds of $125,000 were awarded from then Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to provide funding for supplies for sustanability for the SWAT team during their training and missions.
Overtime Reimbursements: DPS (Georgia State Patrol) worked with various federal agencies and received reimbursement of overtime expenses and other law enforcement expenses related to joint operations. DPS conducts joint operation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Justice, and Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program. DPS was reimbursed $128,973.68 for overtime expenses.
Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP): Effective July 1, 2005, the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety was reorganized per House Bill 501, and DPS was designated the lead MCSAP agency for the State of Georgia. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) combined our New Entrant and MCSAP funding into one grant and DPS was awarded $10,029,890.00. The mission of the MCSAP program is to improve commercial motor vehicle safety on Georgia's highways by reducing crashes, fatalities, and injuries. Each year, new goals and objectives were outlined in a Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Plan and monitored throughout the plan year. During 2020, the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) performed 67,857 commercial motor vehicle inspections.
New Entrant Program: MCCD is responsible for conducting the New Entrant Program for the State of Georgia. Pursuant to federal regulations, within 18 months of a receipt of New Entrant registration, a motor carrier based in Georgia must undergo a safety audit performed by MCCD. The audit ensures that the motor carrier has complied with the minimum safety standards necessary to continue operating after initially receiving a USDOT number. During the FFY 2020, MCCD officers performed 1,968 safety audits.
High Priority Grants: MCCD received a high priority grant during SFY 2020 for $905,013.00. It included the following components:
Georgia Safety Data Review Program: This portion of the award is to add an additional officer to data reviews received from FMCSA Data Q system within 14 days of receipt when possible and to improve the data quality of driver vehicle inspections performed by officers on a regional basis.
Crash Data Analytics: This portion of the award is to provide for a crash analyst in addition to a GIS analyst to ensure our crash data is accurate and that the crash data can be disseminated to the Region Commanders.
Innovative Technology Deployment (ITD): This award makes a major upgrade to the state's existing Commercial Vehicle data search software so that Officers can (in addition to existing capabilities) search and view information on IFTA, IRP, Significant Crash Reports (SCR), and possible other data items.
46

Procurement: The Procurement Department is responsible for procuring the goods and services needed for the Department of Public Safety (DPS) personnel to carry out its mission. The procurement may be through open market purchases, statewide contracts, established agency contracts or bidding out the service or goods. The Procurement Department must follow all laws and policies established by the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) State Purchasing Division (SPD) and DPS policies. All procurement staff must take the training and pass the tests established by DOAS SPD to become a GA Certified Procurement Associate (GCPA). The Procurement Director must reach the level of GA Certified Procurement Manager (GCPM). Procurement handles the procurement for two of the attached agencies, Georgia Firefighters Standard and Training (GFFST) and Peace Officers Standard and Training Council (POST). Both the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) and the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) handle their own requisitions, purchase orders, and bids. During the period January 1, to December 31, 2020, the following purchase orders were processed:
5,377 Purchase Orders (PO), (decrease of 1355 budget cuts) were processed for a total of $49,420,246.13 (decrease of $13,103,653.39) by DPS proper (four attached agencies)
3,127 Purchase Orders (PO), (decrease of 858) were processed for a total of $35,746,102.07 (decrease of $12,962,361.69) by DPS (includes GFFST and POST)
884 Change Order POs DPS in its entirety 441 Change Order POs DPS (includes GFFST and POST) 16 bids were processed by DPS and all attached agencies, four of those were cancelled. Six bids were processed by DPS, one bid was cancelled before award. One RFP awarded in 2020 GOHS Four Sole Source Posting DPS (two cancelled), one Sole Source GOHS Breakdown of PO types for DPS and all attached agencies
Breakdown of Purchase Order (PO) types for DPS and all attached agencies:

TYPE AC Piggyback EMER SWCC SWCM Exempt Open Mkt Intergovernment Mandatory Agency Contracts Sole Source TOTAL

COUNT PO NO. 7 4 1,620 771 389 2,049 122 167 244 4 5,377

Excess Property

1033 Program: Under Section 1033 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 1997, the Secretary of Defense may transfer to State and Local Agencies property that is determined suitable for law enforcement activities from the Department of Defense (DOD). The Georgia 1033 Program enables Georgia Law Enforcement agencies to participate in this program and acquire DOD equipment to support law enforcement activities under the aforementioned Federal Guidelines 10.U.S.C. 2576a.
47

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
There are currently 910 agencies listed in the Excess Property database eligible to participate in 1033 Excess Property. These agencies include police departments, sheriff departments, drug task forces, marshal offices, and state law enforcement agencies.
Excess Property staff attended the annual Law Enforcement Support Office National Training Conference on August 18 August 19, 2020, as part of continuing training in the management of excess property.
In 2020, 329 agencies participated in the 1033 Excess Property Program. The total value of property distributed was $6,020,938.71. Since the beginning of the Excess Property Program, September 1, 1991, to present over $200 million dollars' worth of equipment has been distributed to law enforcement agencies in Georgia.
Excess Property provides 1033 training the second Tuesday of each month, at the Excess Property Office. During 2020, there were over 40 attendees in the training classes. Training was also conducted at several locations throughout Georgia to accommodate the varying geographic locations of participating law enforcement agencies.
1122 Procurement Program: The 1122 Procurement Program is a federal program that allows state and local government agencies access to federal sources of supply to purchase equipment to support counterdrug, homeland security, and emergency response activities. The Department of Defense (DOD), Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), and the General Services Administration (GSA) provides an authorized list of items available for the purchasing of equipment and services through this program.
The 1122 Program affords state and of local government agencies the opportunity to take advantage of the discounts available to the federal government due to its large volume purchases. By using this program, state and local government agencies can stretch their budget dollars. The participating agencies in Georgia have saved millions of dollars by using the 1122 Procurement Program. Agencies may be able to save from 15 to as much as 80 percent when purchasing equipment suitable for counter-drug, homeland security, or emergency response activities.
In 2020, Excess Property provided 726 quotes to the states and local government agencies that participate in the program. Out of the 726 quotes provided, 679 orders were placed, purchasing $6,604,663.85 in equipment, services, and supplies. Excess Property provides 1122 Program training in conjunction with the 1033 Program training the second Tuesday of each month, at the Excess Property Office. Training was also conducted at several locations throughout Georgia to accommodate the varying geographic locations of participating agencies.
TECHNOLOGY SECTION
The DPS Technology Section serves the needs of the Department in the areas of personal computers, network, servers, and telecommunications. The Technology Section also provides direct support to the Department of Natural Resources through a Memorandum of Understanding through which DNR Law Enforcement Officers utilize the DPS CAD/RMS system. This section consists of a Help Desk Support Team, a Network Services Team, Development Team, Telecommunications Coordinator, and a Computer Aided Dispatch/Records Management System (CAD/RMS) Administrator.
During 2020, the Chief Information Officer oversaw the preparation for the transition to cloud-based video storage of WatchGuard evidentiary videos. He worked closely with CTS (CAD and RMS provider) to bring more functionality to the CAD and mobile forms usage. He explored the possibilities for the use of an electronic evidence system owned by DPS that would uniform the evidence storge, documentation and reporting of evidence obtained by Troopers and Officers.
48

During 2020, the IT Help Desk Staf initiated or completed the following:
Prepared 105 laptops for the start of the 110th Trooper School. Smart Switch install pilot of Blue Ridge and Rincon/NHS Started migration of WatchGuard video ELX to ELC. Upgraded ID badge/ physical security access. Surplus excess computer equipment Supported riot control operations for Atlanta over the summer. Rebuilt\Relocated Troop C Comm Center operations from HQ to Bldg. 5 on July 5th Conducted WatchGuard ELC and SmartData Training Transitioned all of HQ from desktop to laptops to enhance telework capabilities. Supported COVID-19 operations
During 2020, the Development Team initiated or completed the following:
Deployed Eports - Online platform for efficiently seeking and obtaining available and responsive documents prepared by DPS.
STSS-Stop the threat, a website to collect the crucial factor to reduce the commercial vehicle crashes. Development team writes customized queries to provide statistically data for many requests including
media requests in a timely manner. Feature update to leave accounting website by adding 28-day entry grid. Many websites that were offline due to ransomware attack, such as rosters, applicant tracking system,
IA case tracking system were brought back online. Recruiting sites (gatrooper.com and Gatsateofficer.com) get updated as and when needed. Support the developers of University of Alabama to deploy Grid site, as well as eSCR to MCCD officers. Continued support to many in house websites such as ATS, permit, IA case tracking, DPs
Inventory, cForms
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
The Administrative Services Division of the Georgia Department of Public Safety oversees several divisions: Communications, Facilities, Fleet Services, Supply, Property and Maintenance, all of which are administered by the Headquarters Adjutant of the Department of Public Safety.
The Communications Division is responsible for the infrastructure/resources needed to allow Troopers/ Officers and DPS Communication Centers to operate and handle the daily operations for statewide public safety communications, as well as the Georgia Interoperability Network (GIN) system installed in all 911 centers statewide. This division consists of Radio Programming/ID Management, FCC Licensing/Tower Lighting and Marking, Georgia Interoperability Network (GIN), and Communications Training. Below is a list of accomplishments for the Communications Services Division in 2020:
Worked with federal, state and local agencies to ensure their radio communication systems are accessible to DPS personnel when possible.
Managed roughly 20,000 radio ids. Updated in all mobile, portable and tower radios, as well as vehicle repeaters will be updated two to
three times per year statewide. Ensure all radio licenses and towers meet federal standards and guidelines. Manages 103 FCC radio licenses, as well as 93 radio tower sites. Operated the Georgia Interoperability Network (GIN) which is a radio interoperability network owned
by Georgia State Patrol Communications with the purpose of ensuring local agencies have interoperable
49

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
radio communication with state and other agencies. This system has equipment located in every 911 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) in Georgia, as well as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and other state and local agencies. The system is networked via Southern Linc. Provided communications plans, solutions and support during numerous Protests, Presidential visits, Elections, MCCD PORT/Stop the Threat and COVID details. Provided radio equipment and installations for GEMAHS, GA State Fire Marshal's Office, Insurance Commissioner's Office, and Georgia Forestry Commission law enforcement personnel. Attended 14 local radio system communications meetings. Provided and coordinated state communications efforts to include Mobile Command Vehicle for the Hard Labor Creek COVID detail, Atlanta Protests and Stone Mountain Protests. Established and programmed new encryption capabilities for radios. Programmed and tuned DPS mobile radio inventory an estimated 4,800 times. Programmed and tuned DPS portable radio inventory an estimated 2,700 times. Programmed DPS FutureCom repeater inventory an estimated 2,700 times. Performed field repairs to roughly 310 vehicle mobile radios, cameras, lightbar, sirens and printers. Performed radio system quality control checkouts on roughly 278 new or reissued vehicles. Managed and coordinated repairs of roughly 148 statewide network outages. Instructed two Trooper/MCCD Cadet School radio training sessions. Performed 62 Tower site inspections. Brought new Locust Grove, Chateau and Heard repeaters online. Constructed new 300-foot tower at Post 42 and Post 24 Performed and managed repairs/optimizations to 16 radio tower sites. Assisted DPS Facilities to ensure all communications site leases and inventory were updated in BLIPP and Georgia State Properties Commission. Assisted DNR and GBI with management, programming and repair coordination of their radio towers and control stations. Investigated 22 cases of harmful radio interference with DPS communications systems. Provided requested radio communications support, advice, and assistance to FBI, as well as several state and local agencies. Assisted with conversion to the new WatchGuard Cloud solution. Moved entire Troop C Communications and equipment to Building 5 within only 10 hours after the building fire from protesters. Transferred all Troop C communications radio resources to the Motobridge dispatch solution so those resources can be accessed and dispatched from any DPS Communication center statewide. Assisted Habersham County with communications support and equipment after their countywide radio communications failed. Assisted DPS Property Management Unit. Communications Services personnel volunteered to enter communications and video asset updates into the PeopleSoft asset management system. This helps ensure radio and video asset locations are current and up to date.
The Facilities Division is responsible for guiding the Post/Troop Commanders in the building of new posts, as well as repairs to all current buildings. Facilities currently maintains 52 Patrol Post, 21 MCCD Stations, seven Air Hangars and the Headquarters Complex Facility (HQ). It is also responsible for approving certain requests for purchases, as well as repairs to our facilities. The Maintenance section is responsible for the upkeep of the HQ. For 2020, the Facilities Division oversaw a multitude of special projects for the Department of Public Safety. Some of these projects included:
HQ Building and property renovations Demo of Buildings 4 and 21 for the New HQ Building Completion of K-9 Training Building for CIU
50

Renovation of Post 49 Motor unit in Building 5 150k Emergency Generator for Building 5 Complete Renovation of Troop C Communications and replacement of the front windows of HQ from
the fire and damage caused from civil protest Card and Security Swipes, three Cameras and one Swipe at all DPS locations. Replacement Generators installed Post 19 Completion of New Post 51 Gwinnett Construction of New Post 16 Hazlehurst MCCD Weigh Station Renovation and Misc. Work
Completion of New Training Building for Region 4,5,6,9 New Training Building for Region 1,2,7 New LED Information Signs and PA systems for each Station New LED Lighting in all Region 8 Stations. Upgraded and installed well water filtration systems for Region 9 Stations Construction of New Evidence Room Lowndes North Bound Station
Lastly, the Facilities Division oversaw all insurance claims relating to any DPS building damages. These claims were submitted and processed by the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS).
The Fleet Services Division is responsible for the purchase of vehicles allotted to the Department by the Legislature; it is also responsible for equipping, issuance, surplus and maintenance of these vehicles. Fleet Services, also known as the Garage, maintains a staff of mechanics and electronic specialists to accomplish these tasks. Fleet Services also manages other vendors such as contracted vehicle outfitters and repair service providers, Wright Express for fuel and ARI for vehicle repairs and tracking.
240 Dodge Chargers were purchased. 10 Chevrolet Tahoe's were purchased. 12 Dodge Durango's 17 Requisitions were completed. 1,053 Claims Processed. 69 Vehicles totaled out due to damage. 211 Vehicles were sold through Public Auction for a total of $1,164,191.50 3 Vehicles were transferred to GPSTC. 1,211 Emergency Equipment Repair work orders completed. 1,249 Mechanical Routine service work orders completed. 470 Vehicles were transported by Fleet Service Wreckers. 300 Vehicles were re-purposed. 322 Vehicles were issued
Headquarters Security: Headquarters Security provides security for Headquarters personnel by maintaining 24-hour security of the grounds and buildings. This unit is staffed by a sworn GSP Supervisor and nine cadets who maintain 24-hour security of the grounds and building.
Supply: During 2020, the Supply Division distributed and maintained inventory of uniforms and equipment for the Departments' three agencies, the Georgia State Patrol, Motor Carrier Compliance and Capitol Police. Supply issued out Mobile Field Force Gear (MFF) to all sworn state employees with DPS. Supply also supplied coolers and drinks to the Troopers/Officers on deployment during the riots in Atlanta. Supply ordered and issued out Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to all state employees with DPS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply was able to complete the uniform complements of the 109th Trooper School. Supply also ordered and issued out the new training uniforms to the Motor Carrier Compliance Division.
51

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Property Management: The Property Management Unit responsibilities are maintaining the Assets and Inventory for the Georgia Department of Public Safety. It mainly involves Headquarters in Atlanta, 52 Georgia State Patrol Posts, 10 Motor Carrier Compliance Division Weight Stations and The Capitol Police Division in the Georgia State Capitol. Property Management also assists with Specialty Units and other attached administration agencies like, Georgia Department of Administrative Services, State Accounting Office, and Georgia Public Safety Training Center. During 2020, the Property Management Unit surplused 111 desktop computers, 57 laptops, 41 monitors, 11 printers and three Cummins Onan generators.
52

GOVERNOR'S TASK FORCE
The Governor's Task Force/Drug Suppression (GTF) is assigned to the Office of Support/Administrative Operations of the Georgia Department of Public Safety and supervised by a task force commander from the Georgia State Patrol. GTF is comprised of five state agencies and one federal agency. Each agency provides resources specific to their enforcement mission such as aircraft, intelligence, logistical and administrative support, equipment and personnel trained and experienced in operating in a variety of environments found throughout the state. The task force is funded through the Federal Domestic Cannabis Eradication/ Suppression Program (DCE/SP). These federal funds, derived from asset forfeiture, are administered by the Department of Justice, through the Drug Enforcement Administration to the Georgia Department of Public Safety. The Department of Public Safety then allocates the funds within DEA guidelines to combat locally grown cannabis. The primary role of the task force is to eradicate domestic marijuana cultivation within the state of Georgia, both indoor and outdoor, and to gather intelligence relating to its manufacture and cultivation. Agencies comprising the 2020 Task Force were the Georgia State Patrol, Motor Carrier Compliance Division, Department of Corrections, Community Supervision Division, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
GTF works closely with Federal Forestry Service to decrease the number and size of marijuana grows on its public lands. Grow operations on Public Lands present a unique safety issue to the public who may wander into these sites while hiking in the National Forests or other public lands that might encounter armed members of Drug Trafficking Organizations. Other hazards to the public include the hazardous waste that is often affiliated with illegal grow operations. Georgia is home to two national forests, the Chattahoochee National Forest, located in North Georgia, which is the trailhead to the Appalachian Trail and the Oconee National Forest, located in middle Georgia. In addition to these national forests, Georgia has many stateowned Wildlife Management Areas located throughout the state. These hazards also present safety concerns to the hunters and fishermen as they traverse these areas. This is why Aviation support is so critical in the marijuana eradication program.
This year the GSP Aviation Division provided aircraft, pilots, and mechanics in support of the Governor's Task Force. Aviation flew 844.5 hours in support of the Task Force. Because the Task Force has a solid working relationship with other state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies, ground team leader and flight observer positions are staffed by these agencies as necessary. The Task Force works directly with the local city and county law enforcement agencies by assisting them in the eradication and disposal process, including securing search warrants, seizures, SOG SWAT surveillance, and arrests if necessary. During the outdoor growing season, thousands of plants are spotted, eradicated, and many suspects arrested because of the support provided by the Governor's Task Force.
During 2020 eradication efforts, support of the marijuana eradication program resulted in eradication of 1,928 plants, worth an estimated $5,784,000.00. In addition to the 58 grow sites located, 65 arrests were made and 52 weapons were seized. Due to the combined efforts of the federal, state, county agencies, and the hard work and dedication of the Task Force, approximately $753,575.00 of drug related assets were seized. The Task Force has noticed a trend of many more individuals growing smaller amounts close to residences. This in turn lead to an increase in number of arrests as well as firearms seized.
Yearly efforts of the GTF put clandestine growers on the defensive. Deterrence through the threat of arrest is very real. Each year growers become more innovative in their efforts to elude detection. Because of the concerted efforts of the combined participating agencies, the Governor's Task Force program continues to show how important this service is and how it helps to reduce and discourage the illegal activities of marijuana growers. Often times, other illicit activities go hand in hand with marijuana production.
53

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
REGIONAL K-9 TASK FORCE
A Georgia State Patrol Captain oversees the K-9 Unit and administers the grant assigned to the Chathan County Sheriff's Office (CCSO). The Chatham County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit is comprised of eight Chatham County deputies and nine canines. The K-9 Unit is partially funded by two federal grants the Homeland Security Grant and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. The funding comes to the Sheriff's Office through the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the Georgia Department of Public Safety. Two K-9 teams are assigned to the Criminal Interdiction Unit. German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois makeup the CCSO K-9 teams. The teams routinely perform school searches, security sweeps, search warrants, traffic safety checks and respond to bomb threats. In 2020, they seized $982.00 in U. S. currency and made numerous narcotics seizures with an estimated street value of $30,171,446.30. A deputy is detached from the unit and assigned to the United States Postal Service. In 2020, two deputies seized $256,522.00 in U.S. currency and seized approximately $719,037.00 in illegal narcotics. As directed by the grant, the CCSO K-9 Unit offers free Explosive, Narcotic and Patrol handler training to K-9 officers all over the Southeast. In 2020, 36 Officers from numerous different agencies across Georgia and surrounding states attended Narcotic/ Explosives/Patrol Training and became certified Canine Handlers in these detection/patrol fields. The K-9 Unit frequently conducts public demonstrations and assists other Law Enforcement agencies. In 2020, the Unit conducted six public demonstrations. Overall, the CCSO K-9 Unit performed 985 total searches: 606 Narcotic searches, 280 Explosive searches, and 99 weapons searches. There were a total 56 school searches completed.
EXECUTIVE SECURITY
The primary purpose of the Executive Security Division of the Georgia State Patrol is to provide effective, efficient dignitary and facilities security services for individuals and facilities authorized in the state statute. The Special Services Section provides dignitary protection services through its Dignitary Protection Unit for those protectees designated by the director and security services for the Governor's Mansion facility and its grounds.
Dignitary Protection Unit - The primary function of the Dignitary Protection Unit is to provide plain clothes security and transportation to all VIPs assigned to the unit. The Dignitary Protection Unit also provides temporary security and assistance to any VIPs who travel from other states or countries which fall within similar details handled on a full-time basis. The Dignitary Protection Unit also provides temporary assistance to anyone the Governor deems necessary.
During 2019, the Dignitary Protection Unit was separated as a stand-alone unit under External Operations. This allowed us to focus primarily on expert and efficient protection as the dignitaries move throughout the state, country, and abroad. The primary focus is the safe logistics and personal protection when the dignitary is away from his/her residence. Dignitary Protection strives to provide the same level of service to all visiting dignitaries.
Special Services Section - The primary purpose of the Special Services Division of the Georgia State Patrol is to provide effective, efficient dignitary and facilities security services for individuals and facilities authorized in the state statute. The Special Services Section provides dignitary protection services for those protectees designated by the Director and security services for the Governor's Mansion facility and its grounds.
Due to COVID restrictions, the Governor's Mansion was closed to the Public. Therefore, the Special Services Section did not screen any visitors attending public tours at the Governor's Mansion during the 2020 calendar year. However, there were 280 contractors counted due to work related issues at the mansion. The Special Services Division had a total of 5,280 security hours for the Governor's Mansion Facility. With the assistance of DPS, Department of Natural Resources, Atlanta Police Department and the National Guard, Special Services
54

maintained order while dealing with approximately 2000 protesters for the year 2020. The Special Services Division logged in 170 training hours during 2020.
DPS HONOR GUARD
The Department of Public Safety Honor Guard is made up of members from the Georgia State Patrol, Motor Carrier Compliance Division and Capitol Police. These officers represent the State of Georgia and the Department of Public Safety at special events to include inaugurations, memorials, parades, presentation of colors and funerals as deemed appropriate by the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
In 2020, the Honor Guard participated and conducted 28 details statewide. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic a majority of the details that are handled by the Honor Guard were cancelled or delayed. The Pipe and Drum band handled their first detail performing at the Department of Public Safety Awards ceremony that was held in Perry, Georgia. The remaining details were a combination of memorials and the presentation of colors at the Trooper School graduation ceremony.
GEMA/HS LIAISON
The GEMA/HS (Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security) Liaison keeps the Commissioner and Command Staff advised of emergency responses where it appears that DPS will be needed, and coordinates between DPS, GEMA/HS, and other law enforcement agencies. The GEMA/HS Liaison creates, maintains and updates DPS emergency plans including responses to natural and manmade disasters. The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) is designated as the lead state law enforcement agency for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) Project in the State of Georgia and the GEMA/HS Liaison is responsible for the planning, preparing, and responding to incidents requiring SNS materials within the state.
The GEMA/HS Liaison serves as the DPS representative for the Child Abduction Response Team (C.A.R.T.). C.A.R.T. combines the resources of nine different state agencies (sworn and non-sworn) to provide an immediate and efficient response to a child abduction or otherwise missing endangered child.
The GEMA/HS State Operations Center (SOC) activates during emergencies to provide state agency assistance to counties and municipalities within Georgia. The GEMA/HS Liaison is responsible for the operation of Emergency Support Function 13 (ESF 13) and coordinates law enforcement responses to requests from GEMA/HS and other federal, state and local agencies.
Below is a list of duties/responses for 2020:
Attended Homeland Security Task Force Meetings. Attended GEMA/HS Emergency Services Branch Meetings. Attended multiple meetings with Federal Agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Secret
Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the U.S. Department of State, the Federal Air Marshal Service, the U.S. Forestry Service and the Department of Defense to discuss emergency response planning, preparation and response issues. Coordinated Georgia Department of Public Safety personnel and resources to assist the Georgia Secretary of State's Office at the State Operations Center (S.O.C.) for the state-wide elections in November and December of this year. Participated in the HURREX 2020 Annual Exercise. Attended the Annual State Training and Exercise Planning Workshop at the State Operations Center: Coordinated GA DPS personnel the GEMA State Operations Center for a total of 105 days during 2020.
55

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DPS personnel assisted with the state's emergency response to the COVID 19 pandemic, civil unrest, and state/national election events. Provided intel information to DPS Chain of Command from GEMA Homeland Security, Atlanta Police Department, GBI/GISAC and other law enforcement agencies. Participated in the Statewide Base Camp Contract Meeting to prepare for multi-purpose statewide responses to emergency events. Worked with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to plan for future Winter Weather preparations and responses. Received and responded to 88 WebEOC request. Completed 67 requests; 18 were cancelled; and three are still active. Coordinated DPS personnel to assist Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) with the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. DPS personnel assisted DPH at the RSS Warehouse in Kennesaw, GA by coordinating and transporting COVID 19 treatment medication (Remdesivir), respirator ventilators and personal protection equipment (PPE) throughout the state; and coordinated and completed 1,414 transports. Coordinated DPS personnel through SNS coordinators to provided security at designated DPH Specimen Collection Sites where COVID-19 testing was performed from March through June. In December, began coordinating assistance with DPH using DPS personnel to transport COVID-19 vaccine and ancillary supplies to medical facilities and pharmacies throughout the state.
DPS TRAINING DIVISION
The DPS Training Division consists of the GSP Training Unit and the MCCD Training Unit. The office is located at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) in Forsyth, Georgia. The Training Division is responsible for facilitating basic and advanced training for all members of The Georgia State Patrol, Motor Carrier Compliance, and Capitol Police. DPS Training maintains training records for all members, as well as reporting training to the Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Council. Upon request, with the approval of the Commissioner, the DPS Training Division also provides basic and advanced training to local agencies.
Georgia State Patrol Training Unit: The 107th Trooper School graduated in January with 31 Cadets, the 108th Trooper School graduated in November with 31 Cadets, and the 109th Trooper School graduated in November with 13 Cadets. The Training Division conducted the following training for the Department: Firearms Use of Force and qualification, LWRC Patrol Rifle qualification, Pursuit Liability with Due Regard, Field Training Officer (FTO) Refresher, Accident Reconstruction, Levels 1 through 5, Supervision, Levels 1 through 3, Driving Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor and POST Instructor.
Motor Carrier Compliance Training Unit: The 5th Motor Carrier Officer School graduated in March with eight Cadets and the 6th Motor Carrier Officer School graduated in December with four Cadets. The MCCD Training Unit offers the following training for the department: North American Standards Inspections Parts A, B, and State, Weight Inspector, TruVision Operator and Instructor, General Hazardous Materials Inspector, Cargo Tank Inspector, Other Bulk Package Inspector, Honor Guard, RADAR Operator, LIDAR Operator, Radioactive Materials Inspection, SFST, ARIDE, Advanced EVOC and PIT. Sworn members of DPS received a grand total of 165,638 P.O.S.T. credited hours for 2020.
OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY SUPPORT
The Office of Public Safety Support (OPSS) was established by Georgia State Legislation HB 703 to provide critical incident support to those who serve as First Responders in the State of Georgia. OPSS is a collaborative effort between the Georgia State Patrol and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The Office
56

of Public Safety Support was established in order to provide psychological first aid, as well as professional mental health services to all of Georgia's public safety personnel. This assistance is provided for officers who experience a critical incident or traumatic event while either on duty or off duty. OPSS has five full time Peer Counselors, as well as two full time Mental Health Clinicians on staff in order to fulfill the mission of the office. They also utilize two support dogs for emotional and mental health.
In 2020, OPSS provided the following services to public safety personnel around the state: Made over 1,500 one-on-one contacts (include crisis intervention, as well as pre-crisis education). Conducted over 75 group crisis interventions. Trained and certified over 100 peer counselors from local and state agencies. Hosted one Post Critical Incident Seminar (PCIS), which included officers from around the state, as well as a neighboring states, that had experienced a critical incident or traumatic event. Presented at a number of seminars, as well as regional meetings around the state.
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
The Public Information Office (PIO) serves as the liaison for the Department of Public Safety to the news media, other state and local agencies, and the citizens of Georgia. The Public Information Office staff provides research and clearance for media inquiries and interview requests for 52 Georgia State Patrol posts, 10 Motor Carrier Compliance regions, and Capitol Police. This office also serves as support to GEMA/Homeland Security during natural disasters and state emergencies and serves as support for the Joint Operations Center (JOC) alongside the Atlanta Police Department during large events like the Super Bowl and the NCAA Final Four. This office serves as the central filing, storage and retrieval of evidence photos, and documents; maintains Department website; produces publications and graphics for special projects and social media; serves as the official photographer; responds to media inquiries, prepares media advisories and news releases; highlights accomplishments and promotes enforcement campaigns through social media and press conferences; updates and distributes the Department's policy manual; and serves as the representative/liaison to state and local agencies. Below is a list of accomplishments for the Public Information Office during 2020:
Media Relations Wrote and distributed over 25 press releases, including media advisories Wrote talking points and speeches when requested Responded to inquiries from local, state, and national media Conducted multiple on-camera, FaceTime/Skype, and phone interviews with local and national media outlets Participated in multi-agency holiday travel Responded to Open Records form the media
Departmental Evidence Maintained crash/incident photograph files for state evidence repository Fulfilled Open Records requests Assisted the Open Records Task Force with requests affected by ransomware attack
Records Management Published two new departmental policies Revised 12 policies
Department Website Posted and updated COVID-19 executive orders and other pertinent information Updated information, photographs, and videos
57

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Posted 22 news releases Posted Board of Public Safety meetings Posted Legal Services and Regulations Compliance Notice of Public Hearings Added EPORTS link for Open Records requests Responded to public inquiries Posted training events for the Office of Public Safety Support
Publications and Graphics Completed 2019 Annual Report Created/distributed over 110 "Bulletin" and "DPS Update" publications Created program and PowerPoint presentation for DPS Awards Ceremony Created 2020 DPS Christmas cards Created social media graphics for the holidays, training classes, recruiting, and winter and driving tips Created graphics for GSP, MCCD, and Capitol Police recruitment efforts Created Capitol Police Legislation graphic Designed GSP recruitment slides for video, PT Test posts, PT Test reminder and GSP recruitment posts Created graphics for MCCD PT Test posts, PT Test reminder and GSP recruitment posts Created graphics for Department Awards Ceremony Created printed projects such as Fun Fact Sheets, EPORTS Flyer, Capitol Police recruitment flyer, updated mission booklet, updated core values posters.
Social Media Twitter 12 accounts Total Tweets from all 12 accounts 1515 (1198 ga_dps & 317 all other accounts) Instagram- 3 accounts Facebook 1 account 1539 posts COVID-19 campaign during the pandemic Assisted with the annual national Railway Safety Week Campaign Coordinated with GOHS on holiday and special detail social media campaigns Responded to GSP and MCCD inquiries Posted photos to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram/Insta Stories Covered COVID-19 details
Recruiting Coordinated social media posts and events Took photos for billboards and campaigns Elementary career day MCCD recruiting events and PT assessments
Training/Presentations Taught Trooper School and MCO School cadets DPS policies and social media usage and best practices. Assisted training staff with photographs and social media posts
Photography/Videography 107th, 108th, and 109th GSP Trooper Schools Stop the Threat details Two three-day port checks in Savannah 6th Motor Carrier Officer (MCO) school first day MCO School Opening Ceremony MCO School boxing day, defensive tactics, field sobriety, advanced EVOC, shotgun stress course
58

NAS class Filmed and edited multiple Motor Carrier Commpliance safety, recruiting, and violation of the week
videos Special Projects/Details
Coordinated Clark's Kids toy drive for 20 children Coordinated Annual DPS Awards ceremony Civil disturbances in Atlanta and the State Capitol Coordinated Annual Shred for whole Department Boat ramp patrol for DNR MCO staff member received FAA Part 107 pilot license to fly drones
59

20

GA DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY
P.O. Box 1456 Atlanta, GA 30371
Website: dps.georgia.gov