Officer Overbay was sworn into the department by Judge Thomas A. Roach and Chief Stephen Merrifield received the honor of pinning his badge.
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| Chief Stephen Merrifield, Judge Thomas A. Roach, Ofc. Logan Overbay, and Cpt. Wendell Turner |
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
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.
Officer Overbay was sworn into the department by Judge Thomas A. Roach and Chief Stephen Merrifield received the honor of pinning his badge.
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
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
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
Monday, March 1, 2021
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.
Monday, February 1, 2021
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".
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".
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Canton Police Welcomes New Officers
Today the Canton Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony for five (5) new officers. Officer Jesse Lee, Officer Domenick Marotta, Officer Alfredo Rivera, and Officer Cody Hunt are recent graduates of the officer training course at the Jasper GPSTC training facility. Officer Ryan Mueller brings three (3) years of previous law enforcement experience to the department.
The officers were sworn into the department by Judge Darrell Caudill at Canton Police Department. Family, friends, and other members of the Canton Police force were in attendance to show their support.
Monday, December 21, 2020
Detectives Secure Felony Murder Warrant
Update: 12/22/2020 2:30 P.M.
On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, Canton Detectives secured a felony murder warrant for the arrest of Chloe Driver. Ms. Driver was arrested after being discharged from the hospital for the murder of her thirteen-month-old daughter, Hannah Nicole Driver. Ms. Driver is currently being held at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.
Chloe Alexis Driver
20 years old
From: Jacksonville, FL/Knoxville, TN
Charges:
- 16-5-1(a) Murder with Malice (1 count) (Felony)
- 16-5-70(b) Cruelty To Children-Causes Excessive Physical Or Mental Pain - 1st Degree (1 count) (Felony)
- 16-5-21(a)(1) Aggravated Assault With Intent to Rape/Murder/Rob (1 count) (Felony)
- 16-5-24(a) Aggravated Battery (1 count) (Felony)
----------------------------------------------------------
Update 12/9/2020 3:00 P.M.
Canton Police Release the name of the 20 yr. old female who was taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital.
Chloe Alexis Driver, 20 yrs. old of Knoxville, TN.
This is an ongoing investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
_______________________________________
Previous Press Release 12/8/20 @ 6:56 P.M.
Canton officers were called to the home and found the injured persons in a bedroom with stab wounds. The child was transported to Northside Hospital Cherokee, where she succumbed to her wounds. The 20 yr. old was taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital and is listed in serious condition.
Canton detectives are actively working the investigation and interviewing multiple persons. Detectives have made no arrests at this time and do not believe the community is at risk.
The names of the individuals are being withheld until death notifications have been made. This is an active investigation, and more details will be given when available.
Friday, December 18, 2020
Life-Saving Awards
The Canton Police Department recognized four (4) officers for their life-saving efforts on Thursday, December 18, 2020, at the Canton City Council meeting.
During the presentation, Chief Stephen Merrifield presented each officer with their award and described the two different incidents where officers’ efforts saved lives.
Sergeant Jose Souto and Officer Luis Salas received their awards in their response to a suicidal individual who was threatening to harm themselves with a firearm. The officers’ brave and quick decisions let to the peaceful resolution of a dangerous and life-threatening situation. The incident occurred on September 18th, 2020, at a local apartment complex.
On October 23, 2020, Cpl. Addison Bass and Ofc. Erin Leonard administered CPR and deployed Narcan to a nonresponsive individual. Their quick actions and decision making resulted in a life-saving effort.
During the presentation, Chief Stephen Merrifield presented each officer with their award and described the two different incidents where officers’ efforts saved lives.
Sergeant Jose Souto and Officer Luis Salas received their awards in their response to a suicidal individual who was threatening to harm themselves with a firearm. The officers’ brave and quick decisions let to the peaceful resolution of a dangerous and life-threatening situation. The incident occurred on September 18th, 2020, at a local apartment complex.
On October 23, 2020, Cpl. Addison Bass and Ofc. Erin Leonard administered CPR and deployed Narcan to a nonresponsive individual. Their quick actions and decision making resulted in a life-saving effort.
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