The Office of Professional Standards and Training is tasked with many functions. OPS/T is responsible for all training, oversight of the Field Training Program, collaboration with the Detention Center for its Jail Training Program, Georgia State Certification, Internal Affairs, Evidence, and Recruitment.
Training
The Stephens County Training Center (SCTC) was opened by former Sheriff Randy Shirley in 2018. The initial purpose of the SCTC was to provide in-service training for Stephens County Sheriff’s Office personnel. It has since grown to become a regional provider of specialized, advanced, and intermediate-level training. The Stephens County Training Unit consists of two full-time instructors and adjunct instructors within the agency. Our instructors are certified in everything from General Instructor, Less Lethal Force, Defensive Tactics, and Firearms to Emergency Vehicle Operator (EVOC).
The SCTC has a 25-yard range, 50-yard range, and 100-yard range. It also has an obstacle course, a static Use of Force simulator, and a first-of-its-kind three-person linkable Virtual Reality Judgmental Use of Force Simulator. On its grounds are also more than 125 acres for K-9 and Tracking training.
The Office of Professional Standards and Training (OPS/T) is responsible for creating, organizing, and instructing lesson plans to our officers and assisting other agencies. The Training Division instructs on-site classes and schedules officers for off-site classes at other police academies and the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. They also offer and instruct many community programs. Our classes are open to officers from outside agencies and some to military personnel as well. The Sheriff, along with the SCTC staff, are proud to present this training to law enforcement professionals across the state.
The SCTC is located at 1677 Scenic Drive, Toccoa, GA 30577.
Register for classes today!
Click the link above to access our training calendar for information on upcoming and available courses.
REGISTRATION
INSTRUCTIONS
To register for a course, first open the course information on the training calendar. Then click the registration link to complete the registration form.
*All applications should be submitted no later than ten (10) days prior to the course start date.
CANCELLATION/
SUBSTITUTION
INSTRUCTIONS
Cancellations must be confirmed at leave five weekdays prior to the course start date. Substitution of students by authorized agency officials is recommended instead of cancellation. Departments will be notified of course cancellations at least two (2) days prior to the start date.
Cancellations/substitutions must be reported immediately to SCTC staff at (706) 898-5853 or by email to [email protected].
PAYMENT & FEES
No training fee is charged to Georgia-certified law enforcement officers.
Private industries/institutions (if approved) are required to pay $15.00/per hour for tuition at the time of registration.
All certified checks and/or money orders should be made payable to:
Stephens County Sheriff’s Office
70 N. Alexander Street
Suite 205
Toccoa, GA 30577
Course Offerings
We offer the following course options:
Specialty Certification:
– Field Training Officer
Career Development:
– Criminal Procedure
– First Responder
– Interpersonal Relations
– Officer Survival
– Advanced Firearms
– Advanced Report Writing
– Advanced Traffic Law
– Interviews & Interrogations
– Search Warrants & Affidavits
– Specialized Patrol Techniques
In-Service:
– Use of Force (Lecture, Application)
– De-Escalation (Lecture, Application)
– Community & Problem-Oriented Policing
– Less Lethal Certification & Re-Certification
– Self-Aid/Buddy-Aid (First Aid), CPR
– Firearm Skills
– Active Shooter Response
– Defensive Tactics (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Law Enforcement
– Tactical Encounters
– Legal Updates
Internal Affairs
Internal Affairs receives, processes, supervises, and controls investigations regarding employees of the Sheriff’s Office. They are also tasked with ensuring that misconduct allegations made against employees are thoroughly investigated while maintaining objectivity by gathering all pertinent information in a professional manner.
Employee Commendation/Complaint FormFor more information about Internal Affairs, review these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: How do I file a complaint against an employee of the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office?
A: Click the “Commendation/Complaint” form link above to submit a complaint regarding a SCSO employee. Complaints may also be accepted by any SCSO supervisor, or you may contact the Internal Affairs office directly. Complaints may be received verbally or in writing either in person or by telephone, mail, or electronic means.
Q: How can I commend a SCSO employee for outstanding service?
A: Your appreciation and encouragement are important to us! If you received extraordinary service from a SCSO employee or witnessed something that deserves special recognition, we encourage you to tell us so we may share your thoughts with that employee and with the SCSO family. Click the “Commendation/Complaint” form link above to submit your commendation.
Q: How will the complaint be investigated?
A: When a complaint is received, it is assigned either to the affected employee’s division or to Internal Affairs. Statements will be taken from the complainant, witnesses, and the subject employee. All complaints against employees are investigated provided the complaint contains sufficient factual data to warrant an investigation.
Q: How are the investigations resolved?
A: Serious infractions are normally referred to Internal Affairs for recommendations. All other investigations are heard and settled at the command level.
Q: What rights do employees have if a complaint is made against them?
A: Employees have the right to review all complaints and witness statements prior to final resolution. Employee investigations remain confidential until finalized. No participant including complainants, investigated employees, investigators, or witnesses will disclose any information regarding the investigation until the investigation is concluded and final discipline is rendered. Employees have the right to representation while giving a formal statement. Employees will not be discharged, disciplined, demoted, denied promotion, transferred, reassigned, or otherwise discriminated against concerning their employment or threatened with any such treatment by reason of their exercise of rights. Employees must be protected against false allegations of misconduct. This is best accomplished by consistently conducting thorough, fair, and objective investigations. Persons who knowingly make a false complaint may be subject to criminal prosecution and/or civil action.
Q: What is “biased policing”?
A: “Biased policing” is the inappropriate consideration of specified characteristics while enforcing the law or providing police services. Specified characteristics include – but are not limited to – race, ethnic background, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, age, disability, political status, or any other legally protected characteristics. It is SCSO policy to patrol in a proactive manner, aggressively investigate suspicious persons and circumstances, and actively enforce motor vehicle laws, while insisting persons only be stopped or detained when there exists reasonable suspicion to believe they have committed, are committing, or are about to commit a violation of the law. Any contact, stop, detention, or search based solely on biased policing is prohibited. Any type of biased policing will not be tolerated.
For more information, contact the Office of Professional Standards:
Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Training Center
1677 Scenic Drive
Toccoa, GA 30577
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(706) 898-5853
During non-business hours, complaints may be directed to the Stephens County Communications Center at (706) 779-3911 or any SCSO supervisor.