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What to Do When You are Stopped by Police 

Your Safety is Important to Us

If you are stopped by a police officer, taking the actions suggested below will likely lead to a brief, positive, and safe encounter for both you and the officer. 

What are some reasons police might stop me?
Generally, because you: 

  • Are in the area where a crime just occurred
  • Witness a crime
  • Fit the description of a suspect
  • Have been pointed out as a suspect
  • Appear to need assistance
  • Violate a law 

What should I consider if I am stopped? 

  • Officers may not be stopping you for the same reason you think
  • Over-reaction and/or lack of cooperation will complicate the situation
  • Police are trained to remain in a position that will enhance officer safety
  • Actions and communications are not intended to offend you
    What actions should I take if I'm approached by a police officer?
  • Follow the officer's instructions
  • Keep your hands clearly visible
  • Make slow and deliberate movements
  • Cooperation can greatly reduce the time you are detained 

Be aware that if you are suspected of being armed, the police officer is allowed to frisk you for weapons to ensure the safety of everyone present. If you approach officers on a crime scene calmly ask to speak with them after they secure the scene. If you are armed with any weapon, in a calm and quiet voice tell them WITHOUT reaching for it. Your perception may not be what the officer sees and is dealing with, Don't endanger yourself or others by just assuming you can tell what is happening.

 

Message from the Sheriff: The White County Sheriff's Office provides the citizens of White County with a high level of customer service and a level of professionalism that gives me great honor to serve as your Sheriff.  We understand that we are stewards of the public's trust and that is a responsibility that I take very seriously.  From our patrol deputies to our detention officers, we are committed to providing the very best in law enforcement services.  I am very proud of the men and women of this organization who work hard to make sure this is one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the State of Georgia.

We ask for your continued partnership as we work together to keep our community safe and ensure it remains one of the country's most enjoyable places to live and work.

 

 

STAYING SAFE AT HOME.

 During this time of year there is an increase in thefts and burglaries here are a few tips to help keep yourself and your family safe this Holiday season.

  • Keep your doors and windows locked. Too, often, criminals get into houses through unlocked doors and windows.
  • Close garage doors when not in use even when you are just in the backyard.
  • Consider installing solid core entry doors with reinforced doorframes and dead bolt locks.
  • Identify a "safe room" inside your home where residents can go in an emergency, This room should be have reinforced doors and an exit to the outside and a telephone.
  • Always verify by telephone that the person works for the company they say they represent and has been sent for a reason. A peephole with a  180-degree viewing angle is excellent for you to verify who is on the other side of the door.
  • Never open your door to anyone you do not know. Exterior lighting provides additional protection from intruders. Remember that criminals may hide in the shadows.
  • Always acknowledge a caller at your door to determine who they are and what they want. Some burglars ring the doorbell, and if there is no answer, they break in.
  • Always use your alarm and upgrade your system to include a motion sensor in the master bedroom.
  • Avoid storing large amounts of cash and the bringing home of business deposits.

COVID- 19 Updates

Attention Georgia Residents

Governor Kemp has issued a Shelter in Place order stating that all Georgia residents must remain in place and only travel for the listed exempted activities until April 13, 2020, at 11:59 PM, or until replaced by a new order. The White County Sheriff's Office would like to remind all residents that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that citizens keep a six (6) foot distance (social distancing) from each other, keep all gatherings to no more than 10 people, and to remember to sanitize. Below is a link to a copy of the order. We understand that this may feel like a scary and trying time. Please know that the White County Sheriff's Office is still working diligently to keep the great citizens of this county safe. 

04.02.20.01.pdf

AS OF 05/12/2020

Governor Kemp has started the procedure to lift restrictions in an attempt to "open" Georgia back up. Governor Kemp has ordered that the at-risk community continue to shelter-in-place, however. Review the order below.

05.12.20.02.pdf

On April 3, 2020, Governor Brian Kemp sent out Executive Order 04.03.20.01, granting local Sheriffs the ability to enforce the current emergency order. This gives the Sheriff and his agency the ability to enforce the closure of businesses, establishments, corporations, non-profit corporations, or organizations in accordance with Executive Order 04.02.20.01.

 04.03.20.01.pdf

Governor Kemp's Observations and Complaints Information

Judge's Orders

On May 11, 2020, the Georgia Supreme Court issues a second extension to the statewide Judicial Emergency, extending the order until June 12, 2020, at 11:59 PM.

Supreme Justice - 2nd order.pdf

On March 16th, 2020 the Enotah Judicial Circuit has declared an Order of Judicial Emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic  A link to the copy is provided below to view click on to the link.

 Judges order for pandemic.pdf

 On May 12, 2020, the Enotah Judicial Circuit has issued an extension of the previous Order of Judicial Emergency. The order has been extended and set to expire June 30, 2020, at 11:59 PM, unless otherwise noted. Please see the judicial extension included below. 

Enotah Judicial Emergency Order - Extension.pdf

White County Order

The White County Commissioners have declared a new resolution dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic.

White County Resolution 2020-03 State of Emergency & Protective Ordinance.pdf

On Thursday, April 2, 2020, the White County Board of Commissioner approved a supplemental update regarding short-term rentals within White County to the current response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

2020-03B ER Declaration Short Term Rentals 04_02_2020.pdf

In accordance with Governor Kemp's executive order of May 12, 2020, White County will return to normal operations at many of its facilities on May 18, 2020. Libraries and the Senior Center will remain closed. White County is providing COVID-19 information on its website, www.whitecounty.net, and also on the Emergency Management Facebook page. Please refer to the following link for additional information on re-opening guidelines. 

COVID19 WhiteCounty Media Release_05152020 11AM.pdf


The Office of Sheriff carries with it the duty to preserve the peace and protect the lives, persons and property of the people.  White County was created in 1857 and is nestled in the Northeast Georgia Mountains.  It was once part of the Cherokee Indian nation. White County draws tourists year around with its beauty and close proximity to metro Atlanta. Preserving the environment, beauty and history, while meeting future needs, is a goal we all share in White County.

Mission Statement:

The White County Sheriff's Office exists to serve all people within the jurisdiction with respect, fairness, and professionalism.  We are committed to the prevention of crime and the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace, order and safety; the enforcement of laws and ordinances; and the safeguarding of constitutional guarantees.

With community service as our foundation, we are driven by goals to enhance the quality of life, investigating problems as well as incidents, seeking solutions and fostering a sense of safety in communities and individuals.  We nurture the public trust by holding ourselves to the highest standards of performance and ethics.

To fulfill its mission, the White County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to providing a quality work environment and development of its members through effective training and leadership.

State Certification:

The White County Sheriff's Office is a State Certified agency.  The White County Sheriff's Office obtained State Certification in 2013.

State certification is a progressive and time-proven way of helping law enforcement agencies calculate and improve their overall performances.  The State Certification Program is supervised by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP).

 As a part of this program, the White County Sheriff's Office conducted a thorough self-analysis to determine how existing operations could be adapted to meet standards set by GACP.  When these procedures were in place, a team of trained assessors verified that applicable standards had been successfully implemented. The process culminated with a decision by a joint executive committee that the White County Sheriff's Office had met the requirements for certification.  State Certified agencies must be re-assessed every three years.

Certification status represents a significant professional achievement. Certification acknowledges the implementation of policies and procedures that are conceptually sound and operationally effective.

 

 

White_County_Community_Resource_Handbook.pdf 

Human Trafficking Notice.pdf