Clergy member urges Ware County commission to back use-of-force reforms

Rev. Ferrell Malone of Macedonia Baptist Church told the Ware County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 8 that he had emailed a draft resolution asking the county and city to support reforms limiting excessive use of force by law enforcement. Malone said the package would include mandatory body cameras, retraining certified officers in de-escalation techniques and the establishment of a citizen review board.

"I would like to get support from the City and County for use of force reform to retrain post-certified officers in de-escalation techniques, requiring mandatory use of body cam, and the establishment of a citizen review board," Malone said, according to remarks delivered to the commission and provided to the county manager.

Malone acknowledged that the commission does not have direct authority over the sheriff but asked the board to adopt the resolution as a show of support. He said he had emailed the proposed resolution to County Manager James Shubert and requested the commission consider formal endorsement or a statement of support.

The commission did not take action on the request during the meeting. The item was delivered during the public-comment/guest-speaker portion of the agenda and will require staff review and any draft language before the board considers formal adoption. The meeting minutes record the request but do not show any vote or formal referral plan.

The next scheduled Board of Commissioners meeting date is listed as Jan. 12, 2026; the transcript does not specify whether Mr. Shubert or the board will place the draft resolution on a future agenda.