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The Office of Professional Standards and Training is tasked with many functions. OPST 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 Sheriff Randy Shirley in 2018. The initial purpose of the SCTC was to provide in-service training for the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office personnel. It has grown to become a regional provider of Specialized, Advanced and Intermediate level training. The Stephens County Training Unit consists of 2 full time instructors and other adjunct instructors within the agency. Our instructors are certified at everything from General Instructor, Less Lethal, Defensive Tactics, Firearms, to EVOC. The SCTC has a 25 yard range, 50 yard range, and a 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 it also has over 125 acres for K9 and Tracking training.
The Office of Professional Standards and Training Division is responsible for creating, organizing, and instructing lesson plans to our officers and assisting other agencies. Training instructs on-site classes and schedules officers for off-site classes at other police academies and the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. Training also instructs many community programs. Our classes are open to officers from outside agencies and some to military personnel as well. The Sheriff along with the staff of the Stephens County Training Center are proud to present this training to law enforcement personnel across the state.
The SCTC is located at 1677 Scenic Drive, Toccoa, GA 30577
Training Calendar
For information on courses and details on how to register, click on the link above for the training calendar.
To register for a class on the calendar:
– Open the course and click the registration link.
All applications should be received no later than ten (10) days prior to course start date
Cancellation / Substitution Instructions
Cancellation must be confirmed at least five working days prior to the course start date. Substitution of students by authorized agency officials is recommended in lieu of cancellation. Departments will be notified of course cancellations at least (two) 2 days prior to start date.
Cancellations/substitutions must be reported immediately to the Training Center at 706-898-5853 or by email to [email protected]
Payment and Fees
NO FEE is charge to Georgia certified law enforcement officers.
Private industry/institutions (if approved) are required to pay $15.00/per hour for tuition at the time of registration.
All certified checks and/or money order should be made payable to:
Stephens County Sheriff’s Office
70 N. Alexander Street
Suite 205
Toccoa, GA 30577
Course Offerings
For Specialty Certifications
– Field Training Officer
For 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 and Application)
– De-Escalation (Lecture and Application)
– Community & Problem Oriented Policing
– Less Lethal Certification and Re-Certification
– Self Aid/Buddy Aid (First Aid), CPR
– Firearm Skills
– Active Shooter Response
– Defensive Tactics (Brazilian Jujitsu for Law Enforcement)
– Tactical Encounters
– Legal Updates
Internal Affairs
Internal Affairs receives processes, supervises and controls investigations regarding employees.
Internal Affairs is 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.
Review these Frequently Asked Questions for more Information about Internal Affairs.
Q: How do I file a complaint against an employee of the Stephens Sheriff’s Office?
A: Click Commend/Complaint link to submit a complaint regarding a SCSO employee. Complaints may also be accepted by any SCSO supervisor, or you may contact the Internal Affairs directly. Complaints may be received verbally or in writing and in person, by telephone, by mail or by electronic means.
Q: How can I commend a SCSO employee for outstanding service?
A: 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. Your appreciation and encouragement are important to us. Click Commend/Complaint link 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: The inappropriate consideration of specified characteristics while enforcing the law or providing police services. Specified characteristics includes, but is 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, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
(706) 898-5853
During non-business hours, complaints may be directed to SC Communications Center at (706) 779-3911 or any SCSO supervisor.