Sheriff Jeff Hobby was the final “invited guest” on Thursday night’s agenda of the regularly scheduled Board of Commissioner’s meeting. Hobby was there to address his concerns regarding the security of the Worth County E911 center. During the last regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners, the center’s director Kannetha Clem and the Sheriff explained to the board the law regarding access of the commissioners to the E911 center, specifically where the GCIC (Georgia Crime Information Center) terminals are located. Details were provided regarding state requirements, which take about an hour and a half to complete.
Sheriff Hobby confirmed that even after the law was explained to them during that last meeting, District 1 Commissioner Joe Gaines and Chairman Mike Cosby entered the E911 Center when the director was out of town at a training class, which has now led to concerns from the both the state GCIC office and the GBI.
Hobby explained to the board about an agreement he signed, required by the state, regarding his responsibility in ensuring the security of GCIC and explained how the access of that center by people who didn’t have the proper credentials could result in a shutting down of GCIC, a $50,000 fine and up to 15 years in prison. He went on to explain if that happened, each individual law enforcement department in the county (Poulan, Sylvester, Warwick and the Sheriff’s Department) would have to purchase their own terminals, train and employ their own employees, and that it would affect the E911 status of the center as funded through the taxpayers of the county.
The Sheriff continued by addressing statements made regarding the current E911 director’s abilities. He informed the board that APCO, the world’s largest organization of public safety communications professionals, recently requested representatives from only two centers in Georgia to serve as councils on their training board, and one of those was Worth County’s director. The sheriff complimented the E911 director and her staff.
After Sheriff Hobby provided an extensive explanation of the law surrounding entrance to the center, Commissioner Sutton argued the process of fingerprinting, “In other words I have to go through the same treatment as a criminal to go in there?” Again, the audience burst into laughter.
Commissioner Bozeman interjected by making a motion to turn over 911 to the Sheriff’s department at which point Sutton stated, “I think the Sheriff’s got enough authority now…” The courtroom was filled with comments and applause endorsing Bozeman’s recommendation.
Sheriff Hobby continued to explain the state’s agreement, but Chairman Cosby argued that employees of 911 are employees of the county, to which Hobby answered, “If you don’t give it up to the sheriff’s department, you won’t have GCIC… I’m in managerial control over the employees of 911.”
Attorney Miller suggested Bozeman withdraw her motion until the matter could be discussed in executive session. No action was taken after they returned from executive session later in the evening.
Regarding the issue of security, The Local has confirmed that Chairman Cosby was seen leaving the courthouse on a Sunday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. carrying a computer out of the courthouse. Officials also confirm he was the last one to leave the courthouse that day, and the front door of the courthouse was left unlocked until approximately 8 a.m. the next morning.
