A New Connection: Welcome to The Brookhaven Pulse!

Welcome to the Brookhaven Community Pulse inaugural issue. Your weekly guide to staying informed, safe and connected with our community.

Not a subscriber yet? Sign up here.

In this week's issue:

• Welcome Message: Chief Gurley

• Community Heroes

• Safety Tips

• Community Events

• Resources and Programs

• Crime Prevention

• Brookhaven Strong

• Engage with Us

Message from Chief Brandon Gurley

Dear Brookhaven Residents,

I’m excited to introduce you to The Brookhaven Community Pulse, our new weekly newsletter designed to keep you informed and connected with your police department. Through this platform, we aim to share important updates, safety tips, and crime trends while also highlighting the incredible people and programs that make our community stronger.

At the Brookhaven Police Department, our mission is rooted in service, transparency, and partnership. We believe that by fostering open communication and collaboration, we can create a safer and more united Brookhaven.

Brookhaven Police Department Statement of Vision:

To be a national model for sustained excellence in public safety through mutual trust with the community, innovative policing methods, and the ongoing professional development of all police staff.

Brookhaven Police Department Mission Statement:

It is the mission of the Brookhaven Police Department to enhance the quality of life for those within our community by providing professional, high-quality, and effective police service in partnership with the community.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. I encourage you to stay engaged, share your feedback, and let us know how we can better serve you.

Stay safe,

Chief Brandon Gurley

Brookhaven Police Department

Community Heroes: Shop with a Badge Spreads Joy to 96 Kids

This week, we’re thrilled to celebrate Target for opening their doors and partnering with us for our annual Shop with a Badge event! Thanks to their generosity and community spirit, we were able to provide 96 kids with a positive, unforgettable law enforcement experience just in time for the holidays.

The event was a true community effort, with over 35 volunteers and more than 80 law enforcement officers coming together to make the day special. The smiles, laughter, and joy we saw were a testament to the power of collaboration and compassion.

A special thank you to all those who contributed to the success of this event:

• Parents for trusting us with this meaningful opportunity.

• Target for hosting us and going above and beyond to make it special.

• City Manager and Council for your continued support.

• Our incredible partners:

  • Brookhaven Police Foundation

  • Georgia Bureau of Investigations

  • Dekalb Marshall

  • Sandy Springs Police

  • Athens-Clarke Sheriffs

  • Athens-Clarke Police

  • Pine Lake Police

  • Dekalb Schools

  • Doraville Police

  • Dept. of Community Supervision

  • Dunwoody Police

  • Technical College System of Georgia

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and teamwork of everyone involved. Together, we created a holiday memory that these kids—and our community—will cherish forever.

Thank you, Target, for helping us spread holiday cheer and for being a cornerstone of community connection!

Safety Tips: Holiday Edition

The Brookhaven Police Department is committed to keeping our community safe, especially during the busy holiday season. Here are important tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe:

For Shoppers

1. Stay Alert:

   • Avoid distractions like texting or using your phone while walking in parking lots.

   • Look around before entering or exiting your vehicle.

2. Secure Your Purchases:

   • Place shopping bags and valuables in the trunk or out of sight.

   • Always lock your car doors and roll up your windows.

3. Be Cautious in Parking Lots:

   • Park in well-lit areas close to store entrances.

   • Carry your keys in hand and walk with purpose to your destination.

For Pedestrians

1. Use Crosswalks and Pedestrian Signals:

   • Push the button to activate pedestrian lights and wait for the signal.

   • Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

2. Stay Visible:

   • Wear bright or reflective clothing during the day and night.

   • Use a flashlight or reflective gear if walking after dark.

3. Stay Alert:

   • Look both ways before crossing, even on one-way streets.

   • Avoid distractions like headphones or phone use while crossing.

At Home

1. Secure Packages:

   • Schedule deliveries when someone is home or use secure delivery lockers.

   • Retrieve packages promptly to prevent theft.

2. Be Cautious with Decorations:

   • Check lights for frayed wires and keep candles away from flammable items.

   • Use timers for indoor and outdoor lights to create the appearance of activity if you’re away.

3. Lock Doors and Windows:

   • Double-check that all doors and windows are locked before leaving your home.

Your safety is our top priority. By staying alert and following these tips, you can enjoy a great and secure holiday season. Let’s work together to keep Brookhaven safe!

Community Events

This holiday season, we’re bringing the Brookhaven community together with exciting events for all ages! From our festive Holidays in the Haven to the heartwarming Toys for Tots program, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Please click the photos below for more information.

Resources and Programs

Download our Brookhaven Police App to stay in the know while you are on the go.

Crime Prevention

Entering Autos (Car Break-Ins) are on the Rise

Recently, we’ve seen an increase in reports of entering autos across Brookhaven. In some cases, vehicles were left unlocked or had valuables visible inside, making them easy targets for opportunistic theft.

Here’s how you can help prevent vehicle break-ins:

1. Lock Your Doors: Always lock your car, even when parked in your driveway or a familiar area.

2. Remove Valuables: Take all items with you or store them out of sight in the trunk.

3. Park Smart: Choose well-lit, highly visible areas when parking.

4. Stay Alert: Report suspicious activity, such as people checking car doors, to 911 immediately.

By taking these simple precautions, we can work together to reduce auto-related crimes and keep Brookhaven safer for everyone. If you see something, say something—your call matters.

Brookhaven Strong

As the holiday season shines brightly around us, let’s take a moment to reflect on the power of kindness. A small gesture—a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand—can light up someone’s day.

This week, we challenge you to spread positivity in simple ways:

• Say thank you to someone who made a difference in your life.

• Help a neighbor with holiday decorations.

• Write a note of encouragement to a friend or coworker.

Remember, the light you share with others will always find its way back to you. Let’s make Brookhaven full of joy and hope this season!

Engage with Us

Have a Question? We’ve Got Answers!
This section answers questions submitted by our community. Here’s one we received recently:

Q: “How do I report suspicious activity without calling 911?”
A: Suspicious activity deserves a 911 call. Our emergency and Non-Emergency Line is 911. Calling 911 is the best solution and remember to always include as many details as possible to help us respond effectively.

Got a question? Submit it here, and we might feature it in the next issue!