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Clergy Ask Ware County Commission to Consider Resolution Calling for Use‑of‑Force Reforms and Citizens Review Board
Summary
A clergy representative from Macedonia Baptist Church urged the Ware County Board of Commissioners to endorse community-drafted language calling for mandatory de‑escalation training, stricter body‑camera rules and a joint Waycross–Ware County citizens review board following recent local incidents.
A clergy representative speaking for Macedonia Baptist Church and concerned clergy of Southeast Georgia urged the Ware County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 8 to engage with a community resolution that calls for mandatory use‑of‑force reform, de‑escalation training, strengthened body‑camera policies and the creation of a joint Waycross–Ware County citizens review board.
The speaker, identified in the record as a Reverend representing Macedonia Baptist Church, said he had discussed the concerns with the sheriff and the city police chief and that community leaders planned a signature drive and meetings with city and county officials. "We are presenting a resolution ... calling for the mandatory use of force reform, de‑escalation training, accountability practices, and the establishment of a citizens review board in Waycross and Ware County," he said.
The presentation listed specific requests: mandatory training for all post‑certified officers on use‑of‑force standards and de‑escalation tactics; strict enforcement of body‑worn camera activation (including minimizing discretionary deactivation); automatic referral of certain incidents to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation when appropriate; accountability for false or misleading documentation; and a victim‑family engagement protocol.
Commissioners acknowledged the request and noted limits of county authority over elected law‑enforcement offices. One commissioner said the sheriff had turned the specific incident referenced to the GBI for investigation. Commissioners invited further dialogue: the speaker asked the commission to review the proposed resolution over the next month and to participate in follow‑up meetings with city and county staff and legal counsel.
The commission did not take formal action on the resolution that night. Commissioners and the presenter described planned next steps including community outreach, meetings with the county manager and attorney, and additional conversations with the Waycross city commission.
