Financial Transaction Zone

Financial Transactions (buying and selling to unknown persons)

Chief Mark J. Mitchell welcomes the public to use the Canton Police Department facility parking lot or lobby when meeting someone to make a financial transaction for goods advertised on Craigslist or other online sales.  The suitable location and times for these transactions is the front parking lot of our offices, located at 221 East Marietta Street in Canton between the hours of 8:00 am. and 5:00 pm. Monday through Friday.

If citizens choose to meet at the Police Department after office hours (including weekends) we ask they call the Cherokee 911 Center  (678-493-4080) in order to notify the on-duty Shift Commander of the pending safety zone transaction meeting.

The Canton Police Department's number one concern is the safety of our citizens.  Persons are urged not to meet anyone hesitant to meet at our facility.  The potential profit from your sale is not worth the risk of being physically harmed.

Here are a few safety tips you can implement to avoid becoming a victim if you plan on buying anything on Craigslist or other online sites:

• Know who you are dealing with. Criminals don’t want to be identified. We recommend the following when planning an in-person transaction with a stranger:  1) Ask them for their name and phone number.  2) Request a photo of their driver’s license be sent to you via text using the phone number they gave you.  If the buyer/seller is willing to heed these requests they are less likely to take advantage of you but caution is still necessary.  If something were to happen you would have pertinent information to help Police locate the individual.

• Make the exchange in a public place. We recommend such transactions do not take place at a residence.  It’s simply too dangerous.  The best location is the Police Department other law enforcement agency open for business or called in advance to assist you.

• If possible go to the meet with a friend.  There is safety in numbers. Having a friend along may dissuade some kinds of violence.  Always let someone know where you are going, who you are meeting and when you plan to return. Again we recommend meeting at the Police Department.

• Do not deal with anyone except the buyer/seller. At times persons with ill intent will involve an intermediary.  If a buyer offers to send a friend or business partner to pick up the item do not accept the offer. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

• Don’t take checks or make change. Can you tell the difference between a counterfeit check or money order and a legitimate one?  Take cash only or have payment directed to a third party site like PayPal.

Robbery Arrest

On Friday, February 27, 2015 at approximately 9:30 pm Canton Police officers responded to an armed robbery call in which a cash register had been stolen. Officers worked together as a team, coordinating calls to all units, gathering surveillance video, setting up a perimeter for K-9 tracking and patrol for the purpose of locating the suspect who was apprehended by Officer Jason Patton with the help of Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Deputy and his trainee. The suspect was found in a wooded area near the Marathon Gas station at 14 Old Mill Street. He was then questioned by Detectives about his involvement in the felony. The suspect, a 28 year old male from Canton, Ga. was arrested, taken to the Cherokee Adult Detention Center and charged with Armed Robbery.

Life Saving Award

On January 28, 2015, Corporal Joel Parker, K-9 Officer Ryan Campbell and Officer Matthew Godfrey responded to a residence within the City of Canton in reference to a person down call from an apparent drug overdose. Upon arrival, officers proceeded to a back bathroom where they observed a twenty-two (22) year old male, he was unresponsive and lying motionless on the floor. As officers rendered aid to the male, they immediately noticed his breathing was shallow and he appeared to be chocking. They rolled him on his side to clear his airway and as they did, he stopped breathing.

Officers then placed the individual on his back as Officer Godfrey began CPR. At this time, Canton Fire Department Lt. Wes Dixon, Fire Fighter Chad Wigington and Fire Fighter Dustin Long arrived on scene to take over aid to the male.

Canton Fire personnel immediately began preparing the downed person for an intravenous injection (IV). At that moment, Lt. Dixon used Officer Campbell’s assigned Narcan medication and administered a dose to the male who within seconds began breathing, coughing and clinching his fist. These officers along with fire personnel assisted the person to his feet as he was then escorted outside the residence and transported to Northside Hospital – Cherokee for evaluation.

On Thursday, February 19, 2015 Corporal Joel Parker, Officer Ryan Campbell, Officer Matthew Godfrey, Lt. Wes Dixon, Fire Fighter Chad Wigington and Fire Fighter Dustin Long were given the prestigious lifesaving award at the Canton City Council meeting for their actions.

Chief Mark Mitchell, Lt. Jeff Tucker, Ofc. Godfrey, Ofc. Ryan Campbell, Lt. German Rivas, and Asst. Chief  Stephen Merrifield  Photo by Volunteer Stan Oliver

Fire Fighter Chad Wigington, Fire Fighter Dustin Long, Lt. Wes Dixon and Fire Chief Dean Floyd  Photo by Volunteer Stan Oliver

Canton EOC Advisory

Canton EOC Advisory

Freezing temperatures are forecast for the City of Canton and surrounding areas that may result in icy roads causing hazardous driving conditions. The City of Canton Emergency Operation Center (EOC) strongly encourages all motorists to avoid roadways tonight and particularly early in the morning as bridges and roads may contain icy patches.

Canton EOC reminds motorists they may check the conditions of Georgia’s state and federal highways on the Road Conditions page on GDOT’s website, http://www.dot.ga.gov. The public also may also check GDOT’s Traffic Information and Cameras page, http://www.511ga.org/ for additional information on traffic delays, construction projects and other highway conditions.

Canton EOC is making preparations and mobilizing personnel and resources throughout the night to respond to icy bridge/road conditions. Canton EOC will monitor roadway conditions and will make every attempt to keep them passable.

Motorists are encouraged to monitor local news for information on weather conditions and frequently check road conditions and travel advisories. To report traffic crashes or other emergencies and stranded motorist, call 911.

If driving becomes necessary, motorists should use caution and remain alert for work zones, highway maintenance personnel and emergency vehicles. Motorists also are reminded to obey Georgia’s “move over” law.

In addition, please follow the following tips to help ensure safe winter travel:

• Avoid travel, if possible, when icy or other extremely hazardous driving conditions develop.
• Keep vehicles in good operating condition. Check antifreeze levels and use windshield washer solution suitable for freezing weather conditions. Keep gas tanks at least half full.
• Remember weather and roadway conditions may change quickly. Adapt speeds to existing roadway conditions, and be alert to changing weather and the possibility of icy, slippery roads.
• Pay particular attention to bridges and overpasses, which have a tendency to develop extremely hazardous “black ice.”
• During inclement weather, turn on headlights and windshield wipers, and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles.
• Keep blankets, a first-aid kit, a charged cell phone and other emergency supplies in your vehicle.
• Have a fully charged cell phone with you and call 911 to report emergencies.

Officers Promoted

On Wednesday, February 11, 2015, Officer Lou Louzader and Officer James McPherson were promoted to the rank of Corporal.  After meeting the qualifications and passing a written and role play scenario test, they were interviewed by a panel made from surrounding agencies.

Officer Louzader has been with the agency since December 2002.  Officer James McPherson has been with the agency since May 2013 and has four years prior law enforcement experience.

The Officer's families, friends, colleagues, and city officials were there to celebrate the promotion.  Chief Mark Mitchell presented them with their badges and gave them a framed copy of their “Attention to Orders”.  Both Officer's wives pinned on their new Corporal badges.

Chief Mark Mitchell, Cpl. Lou Louzader, Cpl. James, McPherson, Lt. German Rivas and Lt. Jeff Tucker

Canton Explorers Compete

On Saturday, February 7, 2015, the Canton Police Explores competed in police related activities at Explorer Winterfest in Gatlinburg TN. The competition included over 75 agencies from 12 states.

The Canton Explorers received a 3rd place finish in DUI Traffic Stop, 5th place in Suspicious Death Investigation and a 6th place in the Individual Tactical Fitness Challenge.

“Our Explorers did an amazing job of representing the City of Canton and the Police Department. They trained hard for the past year to prepare the competition and their hard work paid off.” -Officer Pacer Cordry

New Police Officer's

The City of Canton Police Department has hired two new Police Officer's. Officer Allison Gerdes and Paul Johnston were sworn in by Judge Thomas Roach on Friday, January 30, 2015. Both Officer's are graduate's of the Cherokee County Regional Police Academy. They successfully completed 408 hours of police training at the academy.

Officer Gerdes and Officer Johnston will spend the next several months in the departments FTO (Field Training Officer) program. The FTO training program provides a foundation for learning that prepares new Canton Officers for the complexities of policing today and in the future.

Chief Mark Mitchell, Ofc. Gerdes, Lt. Jeff Tucker, Ofc. Johnston & Lt. German Rivas