Columbia County Sheriff's Office - Appling, GA

10/15/2026

Last week, the United States Secret Service - Atlanta Field Office hosted law enforcement partners to celebrate their recognition by the National Computer Forensics Institute for outstanding digital forensic work.

Among those honored was our very own Investigator John Hensley(right)! His expertise and dedication to digital forensics are valuable assets to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and the community we serve.

Congratulations Investigator Hensley, on this well-deserved recognition! We are proud to have you on our team!

10/13/2026

10/12/2026

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office is committed to ongoing training to ensure our supervisors stay informed about agency policies and expectations.

We recently held supervisor training and will continue offering these sessions until all supervisors have had the opportunity to attend. These sessions reinforce their responsibilities and the standards expected of leaders within our agency.

We are grateful for our supervisors and their dedication to supporting our personnel and serving our community.

10/11/2026

**********UPDATE JUVENILE HAS BEEN LOCATED************
Deputies are in the area of the Canterbury Farms and Tillery Park Subdivisions searching for missing 12-year-old autistic female Naomi Burks. She was last seen wearing a gray hoodie, gray shorts, and black shoes. If you see Naomi, or have seen her walking in the area within the last few hours, please call the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office at 706-541-2800 or 911 immediately.

10/06/2026

****UPDATE---JUVENILE HAS BEEN LOCATED****

10/05/2026

Behind every screen is a trained professional working to keep Columbia County safe.

Our E911 Communications Center and Real Time Crime Center use advanced technology, real-time information, and close coordination with the public and first responders to provide critical support when it matters most. From answering emergency calls and dispatching resources to monitoring cameras and sharing timely information with responding units, our team remains alert and ready 24 hours a day.

Technology provides the tools—but it is the dedication, experience, community partnerships, and teamwork of our communications professionals that make the difference.

09/29/2026

**THEFT**

Attached are photos of a suspect who, on 08/21/26, stole an electric bike that an employee had previously secured to the cart return in front of Food Lion located at 365 S Belair Road. This person was last seen riding the bike while leaving the Food Lion parking lot and turning north onto Avery Landing. If you can assist in identifying this individual, please call Inv. Sizemore at 706-541-1044 or CCSO Dispatch at 706-541-2800.
Case #26-012225

09/28/2026

This year, our deputies transitioned from the Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm to the Optic-Ready Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 with a Trijicon RMRHD.

The optic-ready platform allows deputies to remain target-focused and provides greater accuracy and more intuitive operation under stress.

Every deputy who received the new fi***rm completed a comprehensive three-day transition course. Training focused on marksmanship, fundamentals, developing speed and accuracy, and applying those skills through dynamic assessment drills.

This training helps ensure our deputies are confident and prepared to use their equipment safely and proficiently.

09/21/2026

We are always happy to welcome our youngest visitors - especially those who love law enforcement! It is a wonderful opportunity to show them some of our equipment, answer their questions, and build positive relationships that last a lifetime.