Canton Police Department Awarded State Law Enforcement Certification Renewal

Cpt. M. Baldwin, Lt. R. Campbell, Coordinator Chuck Grover, Mark Gavala, Chief Stephen Merrifield, Deputy Chief W. Turner, Cpt. J. Tucker 

On November 2, 2021, an assessment team from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP) conducted an in-depth assessment of the department’s State Certification standards and proofs to ensure that the agency is in compliance with the process for certification renewal. The department received its initial State Certification in 1999. On Thursday, December 16, 2021, at the City Council meeting, Charles "Chuck" Grover, Coordinator of State Certifications congratulated the department by presenting a plaque for successfully completing the audit. While presenting the plaque, he stated "Being certified is a very very important part of being a police department and something as members of the city council, and the mayor and city manager you should be very proud of your department". He added, "In law enforcement, it's something they chose to do, it's totally voluntary, nobody making them do it, they do it because they want to be the best they can be". In addition, the Team Leader for the Assessment Team was extremely complimentary of the agency’s Certification Officer, Mark Gavala, and employees for their attention to detail, assistance, and cooperation provided to the team during the assessment.

There are many benefits associated with this Official recognition:

To the Community:

• 
  Certification increases the law enforcement agency’s ability to prevent crime and social disorder through more effective and efficient delivery of law enforcement services to the public.
• Certification enhances community understanding of the law enforcement agency and its role in the community as well as its goals and objectives.
• Certification, in conjunction with the philosophy of community policing, commits the agency to a broad range of programs (such as crime prevention through environmental design, Coffee with a Cop, National Night Out...etc) that directly benefit the community.
• Certification creates a forum in which police and citizens work together to control and prevent crime. This partnership will help citizens to understand the challenges that confront law enforcement. Law Enforcement will, in turn, receive clear direction from the community about its expectations.

To the Agency / City:

• Certification requires that agency policies and procedures are in written form and are available to all agency personnel at all times.
• Certification assures employees that every aspect of the agency’s personnel system is in accord with professional standards and that the system is both fair and equitable.
• The morale of the agency is enhanced by increasing the employee’s confidence in the effectiveness and efficiency of their agency. The operations of the agency become more streamlined and consistent.
• Certification standards address safety issues and ensure all employees receive proper equipment and adequate training.
• Certification is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence. Employees will take pride in their agency, knowing that it represents the very best in law enforcement.
• Certification increases cooperation and coordination among other law enforcement agencies and other branches of the criminal justice system.
• The certification process requires an in-depth review of every aspect of the agency’s organization, management, operations, and administration.
• The certification standards provide norms against which agency performance can be measured and monitored over time.
• Certification provides objective measures to justify decisions related to budget requests, operational needs, and personnel policies.
• Certification serves as a yardstick to measure the effectiveness of the agency’s programs and services. The services provided are defined and uniformity of service is assured.
• Certification streamlines operations, providing more consistent and more effective deployment of agency resources.

Chief Merrifield said "I am very appreciative of the hard work our Certification Manager, Mr. Mark Gavala, has performed in order to maintain our State Certification. I feel this is an important step in assuring our community that we are transparent, well trained, and current on the best practices of the law enforcement profession".

CANTON BEGINS AUTOMATED ENFORCEMENT IN SCHOOL ZONE

 Canton, GA – Starting Monday, October 4, 2021, The City of Canton Police Department will be utilizing speed detection devices to enforce the speed limit at Cherokee High School, located at 930 Marietta Hwy. The enforcement will be conducted using automated school zone cameras that were installed this summer. Automated enforcement began last year at Hasty Elementary, and Teasley Middle School is in the process of being scheduled for the same program.

   The program was instituted after a nationwide spike in pedestrian fatalities over the past decade in which Georgia became one of the 5 deadliest states for pedestrians, with the seventh-highest fatality rate. Also, The Canton Police Department conducted speed studies within all of its school zones, which produced over 3,000 speeding violations in a single day. Automated Enforcement is endorsed as a safety tool by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, AAA, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the National Safety Council. Chief Stephen Merrifield hopes the cameras will reverse dangerous safety trends and encourage drivers to slow down.

  "We are hopeful that Automated Enforcement will encourage drivers to slow down and obey the law,” Chief Merrifield said. “Traffic fatalities are the number one cause of death for children aged 5-14 and for young adults (aged 15-29). Very minimal reductions in speed make the roads a lot safer, especially for children.”

  Numerous publications have documented how slower speeds can save lives. One definitive study (link) by the AAA Foundation found that children and young adults have less than a 10% risk of serious injury or death in an accident at 15 mph, but the risks climbed substantially with each 5 mph increment. At 35 miles per hour, the risk of severe injury or death is greater than 50%.

  The Canton program will target the most egregious speeders exceeding more than eleven (11+) miles per hour over the posted school zone speed limit in school zones. The cameras will operate from one hour before school begins until one hour after school ends, only on school days. A sworn officer reviews and approves each violation before a citation is issued. A thirty-day warning period is in effect before any citations are issued. Residents with questions may call the Canton Police Department at 770-720-4883.

 

 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

 

 Question: Why are Speed Zone Cameras being installed?

  Answer: Over the past ten years, there has been a nationwide spike in pedestrian fatalities due to a combination of speeding and distracted driving. Communities are turning to automated enforcement as a means of encouraging them to follow speed limits and pay attention. Automated Enforcement is endorsed as a safety tool by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, AAA, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the National Safety Council.

  Slower driving saves lives. A person is about 70% more likely to be killed if they are struck by a vehicle traveling 30mph versus 25 mph. There is a 93% chance of survival if a pedestrian is struck at 20mph. Small differences in speed make a huge difference, especially in school zones.

  Question: What are the hours of enforcement?

  Answer: Currently, Hasty Elementary and Cherokee High School are the only school zones utilizing the speed enforcement program. There are three roads on which enforcement will occur: Marietta Hwy, Cumming Hwy and Brown Industrial Blvd. The hours of enforcement are:

 

Cherokee High School Zone
Marietta Hwy / Hwy 140
7:35 AM -7:59 AM - 45 MPH -The posted speed limit
8:00 AM -9:00 AM - 35 MPH - The posted school zone speed limit
9:01 AM -2:59 PM - 45 MPH - The posted speed limit
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - 35 MPH - The posted school zone speed limit
4:01 PM - 4:30 PM - 45 MPH - The posted speed limit

Hasty Elementary School Zone
Cumming Hwy
6:35 AM -6:59 AM - 40 MPH -The posted speed limit
7:00 AM -7:59 AM - 25 MPH -The posted school zone speed limit
8:00 AM -1:44 PM - 40 MPH -The posted speed limit
1:45 PM -2:44 PM - 25 MPH -The posted school zone speed limit
2:45 PM -3:15 PM - 40 MPH -The posted speed limit


Hasty Elementary School Zone
Brown Industrial Blvd
6:35 AM -6:59 AM - 35 MPH -The posted speed limit
7:00 AM -7:59 AM - 25 MPH -The posted school zone speed limit
8:00 AM -1:44 PM - 35 MPH -The posted speed limit
1:45 PM -2:44 PM - 25 MPH -The posted school zone speed limit
2:45 PM -3:15 PM - 35 MPH -The posted speed limit

(11+) MPH over the speed limit will be enforced in the school zones.


Question: My area school has a lot of speeders. How can I request a system?

Answer: Speed Enforcement Programs are selected by the Police Department and local schools after a traffic study is performed to assess road conditions and excessive speeding concerns. Requests can be sent directly to the Police Department at 770-720-4883.

Question: How will I know where the cameras are?

Answer: The Police Department will be putting in new signage that is clearly visible, warning drivers the speeds are enforced by cameras. Additionally, the Police Department will provide a 30-day warning period during which time drivers will get accustomed to the new signs, and the registered owner will receive Warning Notices in the mail.

Question: I received a Warning Notice. What do I do?

Answer: Warning Notices are courtesy notices extended by the Police Department, in addition to new clearly visible signs, to put drivers on notice of stepped-up enforcement in school zones. If you received a Warning Notice, no further action is required. All drivers are encouraged to obey speed laws.

Question: What are the criteria for receiving a speeding ticket?

Answer: According to state law, automated school zone tickets are issued to drivers exceeding more than ten (10+) miles per hour over the speed limit. The Canton Police Department program will use eleven (11+) miles per hour over the speed limit.

Question: How much is the fine?

Answer: The first violation is $75 and $125 for subsequent violations. Payments are due by the “Pay By” date listed on the citation.

Question: Can I view my violation?

Answer: Yes. Login to https://secure.speedviolation.com and enter your citation number. You will be able to view photos and video of the violation.

Question: What hours do the cameras operate?

Answer: From one hour before school begins until one hour after school ends. All monitored school zones and speeds are clearly marked.

Question: I received a School Zone Speed Ticket. How do I pay for it?

Answer: You may mail a check or money order to the address printed on the citation and pre-printed return envelope.

For faster credit card payments, you may pay securely online at https://secure.speedviolation.com. Electronic payments post the same day, and you can receive a confirmation by e-mail.

For PAYMENT BY PHONE: Call 833-917-7333, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Question: If I get a ticket, will my insurance go up?

Answer: Citations are civil offenses, not criminal infractions. No points are assessed on your driving record for automated enforcement violations. However, fines do escalate for repeat offenders.

Question: How do the Cameras work? Are they accurate?

Answer: The enforcement program utilizes state-of-the-art multi-dimensional radar that tracks and monitors up to 350 cars simultaneously. Radar is accurate within .1 miles per hour. Detailed maintenance and testing logs are maintained at all times. No tickets are issued within any possible margin of error.

Question: What happens to ticket revenue?

Answer: According to state law, paid citation revenue must be utilized for public safety initiatives.

Question: What is the Georgia law pertaining to the enforcement?

Answer: GA Code § 40-14-18

Canton Police Unite Community

 Attention Media: Members of the Multicultural Festival event team will be available for interviews at the Multicultural Festival.  

Canton Police Department and the United Pentecostal Church invite the community to their first Multicultural Festival. The festival will be held on Saturday, September 4, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton, GA.

The free event will celebrate diversity and multiculturalism through music, dress, food, games, and entertainment from different cultures.

Last year the Canton Police Department facilitated two events that demonstrated the importance of a Multicultural Event. They held Hurricane Relief Drive for those in need in Honduras and Nicaragua and a food drive to support Must Ministries. During the collecting and delivering process, they witnessed different cultures and races collaborating to help others. The department made friends and developed relationships with diverse groups of people from the Canton community and wanted to build on it. They partnered with United Pentecostal Church to conceptualize how to continue to reach out to others, and the Multicultural Event was born.

The event's goal is to encourage unity by bringing the diverse cultural backgrounds that coexist together in Canton and celebrate the differences, such as the food and the uniqueness of each group in the community. Canton Police hope the Multicultural Festival will bring cultural awareness, overcome stereotypes, and discourage racism.

Officers Act Fast To Save Lives

On the morning of Wednesday, June 2nd, at 3:30 AM, four (4) Canton Officers responded to Hidden Creek Subdivision regarding multiple homes engulfed in fire.  Officer Michael Caplan, Jesse Lee, Domenick Marotta and Sgt. Tayor Lilley arrived on the scene several minutes before Cherokee Fire began to fight the fire ripping through the neighborhood.

All of the officers assisted in saving residents trapped in a fenced backyard by pulling them over a neighboring fence as the fire destroyed the home.  These brave officers continued to go house to house to remove residence who were in danger of being killed by the fire.  They acted without concern for themselves in the face of danger as they strived to protect the lives of the residents. In one specific incident Sgt. Lilley and Officer Lee physically carried an elderly female unable to walk on her own to safety.

Three homes in the subdivision were destroyed by the fast-moving fire, and three additional homes received moderate to minor damage.

The Officers were honored with life-saving awards at the city council meeting held on Thursday, July 15, 2021.

Front Row (holding the awards): Officer Marotta, Officer Caplan. Officer Lee. Middle Row Deputy Chief W. Turner, Lt. J. Lummus, Chief S. Merrifield. Back row: Captain M. Baldwin, Captain J. Tucker. 

Canton Police Welcome New Officers

 The Canton Police held a swearing-in ceremony for two (2) of its newest officers on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at the Canton Public Safety and Municipal Court Complex.   Officer Paul Philpot and Officer Matthew Cruz were sworn into the department by Judge Thomas A. Roach.  Family, friends, and other members of the Canton Police force were in attendance to show their support.  Both officers bring two years of previous law enforcement experience to the department.

Chief Stephen Merrifield stated, "We feel these officers have the community mindset that lines up with the culture of our department.  We are excited to have them be part of our team."

Left to right: Cpt. J. Tucker, Deputy Chief Wendell Turner, Judge Thomas Roach, Ofc. Cruz, Ofc. Philpot, Chief Stephen Merrifield, Lt. Lummus, Cpt. Baldwin

Canton Police Department Unveils New Electric Motorcycles

The Canton Police Department is adding a new form of patrol, which will enhance community safety and support the City of Canton's sustainability goals. 

Canton Police Chief Stephen Merrifield announced that the department had added two new all-electric motorcycles to its fleet.  He stated, "The motorcycles will allow us to patrol our newly expanded park trail system and allow us to do it without emission and noise pollution."  "This will allow officers to engage more community members as we continue to build relationships and trust."

From left to right: Sgt. Mary Turner & Ofc. Michael Crowe

Three CPD officers have been trained and certified to operate the motorcycles.  They will be used regularly throughout the year for traffic enforcement, concerts, parades, trails, and special events.    

The Motorcycles are manufactured by Zero Motorcycles and are designed for on and off-road use.

For more information on the specifications of the motorcycles, please visit ZeroMotorcycles.com.

Media Advisory: Canton Officers will be available for interviews and demonstrations of the motorcycles on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at 10:00 am in Etowah River Park (600 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton, GA 30114).  Please contact Public Information Officer Pacer Cordry (pacer.cordry@cantonga.gov) for more information. 

From left to right: Ofc. Michael Crowe & Sgt. Mary Turner

Canton Police Welcomes New Officers

The Canton Police held a swearing-in ceremony for two (2) of its newest officers on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at the Canton Public Safety and Municipal Court Complex.   Officer Warren Lopez and Officer Tyler Davis were sworn into the department by Judge Thomas A. Roach.  Family, friends, and other members of the Canton Police force were in attendance to show their support.  Both Officers are recent graduates of the officer training course at the Jasper GPSTC training facility.

Chief Stephen Merrifield stated "We are excited to have these talented officers be part of our department and know they will serve the community with the right attitude and mindset"

From left to right: Lt. J. Lummus, Sgt. J. Ray, Ofc. W. Lopez, Ofc. T. Davis, Judge Thomas Roach, Chief Stephen Merrifield, Capt. M. Balwin, Capt. T. Tucker

Canton Police Welcomes New Officer

Today the Canton Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony for Officer Logan Overbay. He comes to the department with one year of previous law enforcement experience.

Officer Overbay was sworn into the department by Judge Thomas A. Roach and Chief Stephen Merrifield received the honor of pinning his badge.

Chief Stephen Merrifield, Judge Thomas A. Roach, Ofc. Logan Overbay, and Cpt. Wendell Turner

CANTON BEGINS AUTOMATED ENFORCEMENT OF SCHOOL ZONES

Canton, GA – Starting Monday, August 2, 2021, The City of Canton Police Department will be enforcing the speed limit at Hasty Elementary, on East Main Street, and Brown Industrial Parkway. The enforcement will be conducted using automated school zone cameras that were installed in March of last year. Cherokee High School and Teasley Middle School are in the process of GADOT approval for the same program.



The program was instituted after a nationwide spike in pedestrian fatalities over the past decade in which Georgia became one of the 5 deadliest states for pedestrians, with the seventh-highest fatality rate. Also, The Canton Police Department conducted speed studies within all of its school zones, which produced over 3,000 speeding violations in a single day. Automated Enforcement is endorsed as a safety tool by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, AAA, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the National Safety Council. Chief Stephen Merrifield hopes the cameras will reverse dangerous safety trends and encourage drivers to slow down.

"We are hopeful that Automated Enforcement will encourage drivers to slow down and obey the law,” Chief Merrifield said. “Traffic fatalities are the number one cause of death for children aged 5-14 and for young adults (aged 15-29). Very minimal reductions in speed make the roads a lot safer, especially for children.”

Numerous publications have documented how slower speeds can save lives. One definitive study (link) by the AAA Foundation found that children and young adults have less than a 10% risk of serious injury or death in an accident at 15 mph, but the risks climbed substantially with each 5 mph increment. At 35 miles per hour, the risk of severe injury or death is greater than 50%.

The Canton program will target the most egregious speeders exceeding more than eleven (11+) miles per hour over the posted school zone speed limit in school zones. The cameras will operate from one hour before school begins until one hour after school ends, only on school days. A sworn officer reviews and approves each violation before a citation is issued. A thirty-day warning period is in effect before any citations are issued. Residents with questions may call the Canton Police Department at 770-720-4883.



Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Question: Why are Speed Zone Cameras being installed?

Answer: Over the past ten years, there has been a nationwide spike in pedestrian fatalities due to a combination of speeding and distracted driving. Communities are turning to automated enforcement as a means of encouraging them to follow speed limits and pay attention. Automated Enforcement is endorsed as a safety tool by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, AAA, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the National Safety Council.

Slower driving saves lives. A person is about 70% more likely to be killed if they are struck by a vehicle traveling 30mph versus 25 mph. There is a 93% chance of survival if a pedestrian is struck at 20mph. Small differences in speed make a huge difference, especially in school zones.

Question: What are the hours of enforcement?

Answer: At this time, Hasty Elementary is the only school zone utilizing the speed enforcement program. There are two roads on which enforcement will take place, Cumming Hwy and Brown Industrial Blvd. The hours of enforcement are:

Cumming Hwy
6:35 AM -6:59 AM - 40 MPH -The posted speed limit
7:00 AM -7:59 AM - 25 MPH -The posted school zone speed limit
8:00 AM -1:44 PM - 40 MPH -The posted speed limit
1:45 PM -2:44 PM - 25 MPH -The posted school zone speed limit
2:45 PM -3:15 PM - 40 MPH -The posted speed limit


Brown Industrial Blvd
6:35 AM -6:59 AM - 35 MPH -The posted speed limit
7:00 AM -7:59 AM - 25 MPH -The posted school zone speed limit
8:00 AM -1:44 PM - 35 MPH -The posted speed limit
1:45 PM -2:44 PM - 25 MPH -The posted school zone speed limit
2:45 PM -3:15 PM - 35 MPH -The posted speed limit

(11+) MPH over the speed limit will be enforced in the school zones.

Question: My area school has a lot of speeders. How can I request a system?

Answer: Speed Enforcement Programs are selected by the Police Department and local schools after a traffic study is performed to assess road conditions and excessive speeding concerns. Requests can be sent directly to the Police Department at 770-720-4883.


Question: How will I know where the cameras are?

Answer: The Police Department will be putting in new signage that is clearly visible, warning drivers the speeds are enforced by cameras. Additionally, the Police Department will provide a 30-day warning period during which time drivers will get accustomed to the new signs, and the registered owner will receive Warning Notices in the mail.


Question: I received a Warning Notice. What do I do?

Answer: Warning Notices are courtesy notices extended by the Police Department, in addition to new clearly visible signs, to put drivers on notice of stepped-up enforcement in school zones. If you received a Warning Notice, no further action is required. All drivers are encouraged to obey speed laws.


Question: What are the criteria for receiving a speeding ticket?

Answer: According to state law, automated school zone tickets are issued to drivers exceeding more than ten (10+) miles per hour over the speed limit. The Canton Police Department program will use eleven (11+) miles per hour over the speed limit.


Question: How much is the fine?

Answer: The first violation is $75 and $125 for subsequent violations. Payments are due by the “Pay By” date listed on the citation.


Question: Can I view my violation?

Answer: Yes. Login to https://secure.speedviolation.com and enter your citation number. You will be able to view photos and video of the violation.


Question: What hours do the cameras operate?

Answer: From one hour before school begins until one hour after school ends. All monitored school zones and speeds are clearly marked.

Question: I received a School Zone Speed Ticket. How do I pay for it?

Answer: You may mail a check or money order to the address printed on the citation and pre-printed return envelope.

For faster credit card payments, you may pay securely online at https://secure.speedviolation.com. Electronic payments post the same day, and you can receive a confirmation by e-mail.

For PAYMENT BY PHONE: Call 833-917-7333, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


Question: If I get a ticket, will my insurance go up?

Answer: Citations are civil offenses, not criminal infractions. No points are assessed on your driving record for automated enforcement violations. However, fines do escalate for repeat offenders.


Question: How do the Cameras work? Are they accurate?

Answer: The enforcement program utilizes state-of-the-art multi-dimensional radar that tracks and monitors up to 350 cars simultaneously. Radar is accurate within .1 miles per hour. Detailed maintenance and testing logs are maintained at all times. No tickets are issued within any possible margin of error.


Question: What happens to ticket revenue?

Answer: According to state law, paid citation revenue must be utilized for public safety initiatives.


Question: What is the Georgia law pertaining to the enforcement?

Answer: GA Code § 40-14-18

Canton Man Arrested on Charges of Public Indecency

On February 23, Ryan Krausz, 41, of Canton, was arrested on public indecency charges and transported to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center. 

Arrest warrants were taken after a female victim reported a man exposing himself to her while shopping at Aldi's (553 Riverstone Pkwy) on Feb. 22. Community members identified Ryan Krausz after the Canton Police Department posted photos from surveillance cameras asking to help identify the individual.

Krausz was charged with a misdemeanor crime of one (1) count of public indecency O.C.G.A. 16-6-8. 

 

Car Thieves Arrested

Three suspects have been arrested in connection to the theft of a vehicle from the Canton, Shottenkirk dealership last week.

The suspects were taken into custody on Jan. 31st by Cumming Police Department with the assistance of Forsyth Sheriff’s Office, after a vehicle pursuit. At the time of the arrests, the individuals were driving a different vehicle that was discovered to be stolen.

Further, into the investigation, additional information was exposed which led to the arresting officers uncovering the driver and passengers, possibly being involved in the recent vehicle theft in Canton, GA. The three individuals occupying the vehicle that fled from Cumming PD were discovered as 32-year-old male, Dexter Pearce, 32-year-old male Christopher Davidson, and 23-year-old female, Ruby Stevenson. All the suspects were from Alabama.

All suspects were charged with Burglary (Felony), Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony), Criminal Damage 2nd Degree (Felony.), and Theft by Taking (2 Counts) (Mids.). All three suspects are being held at Forsyth County Jail.

Chief of Police Stephen Merrifield stated, “We are grateful to have such vigilant and persistent neighboring departments such as the Cumming PD and Forsyth Sheriff’s Office to help with the success in safely and effectively bringing these individuals into custody".