CSO Expands Service by Adding a New Precinct

By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

 

The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office (CSO) opened a new patrol precinct in the Ball Ground area to better serve northeast Cherokee County. The new precinct will join the other five that are strategically located throughout the county in the following locations: BridgeMill-Sixes, Freehome, Hickory Flat, Oak Grove, and Waleska. The Ball Ground precinct is located at 1190 Evenflo Drive at the existing facility for Fire Station 21.

Lt. Darin Downey, a 19-year veteran of the CSO, will command the new precinct. He has experience in the Adult Detention Center, Uniform Patrol, K-9 Unit, recruiting, media relations, and fleet management. Lt. Downey earned a bachelor’s degree from Reinhardt University in organizational management and leadership. I have utmost confidence in Lt. Downey and his ability to meet the many challenges facing a growing community.

Currently, Waleska and Freehome have the two largest precincts and cover nearly half of northern Cherokee County. The Ball Ground precinct will allow Waleska and Freehome deputies to concentrate their patrol activities closer to their precincts, and it will also reduce E-911 response times, offer greater patrol visibility, and decrease wear and tear on vehicles.

Initially, the Ball Ground precinct will operate with a small group of deputies until new positions become available over the next few years. Once fully staffed, it will operate with four 12-hour shifts. Each shift will have a sergeant, corporal, and four deputies. In the meantime, the precinct will utilize the Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit and other personnel to maximize overall effectiveness.

“As the precinct commander, it is not only my responsibility to manage the personnel and equipment of the precinct, but also incumbent of me to listen to our citizens and address their concerns,” Lt. Downey said. “Sheriff Reynolds is very clear on his expectations of me and our team.”

Precincts do not have a deputy in the facility at all times, as he/she will be on patrol. However, when someone calls 911 during an emergency, the dispatcher will direct the call to the corresponding patrol zone. Each patrol vehicle is equipped with an automatic vehicle locator, which enables the dispatcher to send the closest deputy. The precinct does have video surveillance with designated areas for business transactions, child custody exchanges, and vehicle inspections.

Thanks to the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners and our community for helping us make this precinct a success. Together, we can do great things.