Welcome to the Brookhaven Community Pulse. Your weekly guide to staying informed, safe and connected with our community.
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In this week's issue:
A Commitment to Compassion:
A safe city is not just one without crime; it is one where every person in crisis is met with immediate care and dignity."
This week marks Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 5–11), a critical time for our nation—and our city—to reflect on how we support those struggling with mental health challenges. For the Brookhaven Police Department, however, this isn't just an observation; it's a statement of our core commitment to holistic public safety.
Our mission to be 'Better Together' means recognizing that a mental health crisis is a health emergency, not a criminal matter. In this issue, we will shine a spotlight on the innovative steps BPD has taken to bridge the gap between law enforcement and clinical care, primarily through our Mental Health Co-Responder Program. You'll meet the trained professional who work side-by-side with our officers every day, ensuring our residents receive compassionate support and the right resources when they need it most.
We believe that a safer city is a healthier city. We invite you to read on, learn how to recognize signs of crisis, and discover the local resources available to you and your neighbors. Your awareness is our strongest partnership.
The Crisis Bridge: Connecting Residents to Care, Not the Courtroom
In the spirit of Mental Illness Awareness Week, the Brookhaven Police Department is partnering with the Brookhaven Municipal Court to highlight a key initiative that supports the mental health and stability of our residents: the October Court Amnesty Program.
While the BPD's Mental Health Co-Responder Program addresses immediate crises, the Court's Amnesty Program addresses a deeper barrier to stability: the constant stress and fear caused by outstanding legal issues.
As Chief Judge Bryan Ramos stated, the goal is to settle outstanding violations, advocate for the restoration of lawful driving privileges, and reduce arrests while decreasing the court’s overall caseload.
“Through the amnesty program, it is my hope that more individuals seek resolution of their case without the fear of arrest or added financial burden that may accompany delinquency.”
By offering a path to resolution without the fear of arrest, the court is actively reducing a major source of anxiety and instability for residents, helping them clear their records and focus on a meaningful, productive life in recovery.
Program Details: How to Seek Resolution
Throughout the month of October, the Municipal Court of Brookhaven is offering amnesty to individuals with violations that are in a “failure to appear” status or have an active bench warrant.
Key Benefits of the Amnesty Program:
Bench Warrants: Individuals may pay a reduced appearance bond, receive a new court date, and have the bench warrant withdrawn.
Driving Privileges: Individuals with an outstanding traffic violation that resulted in driving privilege restrictions may pay the overdue fine or request a new court date to initiate restoration of their driving privileges.
Reduced Stress: The program’s central purpose is to allow individuals to resolve their cases without the fear of arrest.
How to Participate:
Where: Brookhaven Municipal Court, 1793 Briarwood Road
When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Fridays throughout the month of October
Hours: Between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Online: Individuals may also request to participate through the city’s website.
Important Notes:
Acceptable forms of payment include cash, money order, cashier’s check, and credit/debit card.
No personal checks will be accepted.
The amnesty program does not apply to outstanding violation of probation warrants.
For more information about the amnesty program, contact the Municipal Court of Brookhaven at (404) 637-0660 or email [email protected].
Community Heroes: Frontline Response
During Mental Illness Awareness Week, the Brookhaven Police Department wants to recognize and thank our incredible community partners who help us provide comprehensive care beyond the initial crisis call.
Our shared mission is to transition individuals from vulnerability to stability. When our officers respond to mental health crises, especially those involving homelessness, we often partner with organizations like Frontline Response.
How our partnership strengthens Brookhaven:
Compassionate Connection: Frontline Response's Compassion Outreach builds relationships and provides essential resources and case management services, often supporting those experiencing simultaneous mental health challenges and homelessness.
Pathways to Stability: They connect our residents with vital resources like substance abuse/detox programs, shelters, life skills training, and homeward-bound assistance.
Life-Saving Support: As temperatures drop, their Warming Center provides safe refuge on freezing nights, ensuring individuals have warmth, a meal, and access to necessary services.
This collaborative model, including our Mental Health Co-Responder Program and partners like Frontline Response, ensures that those in crisis get long-term help, not just a temporary fix.
We are committed to caring for all members of the Brookhaven community.
Learn more about their life-changing work: frontlineresponse.org/homelessness
Resources for Our Residents: Know the Lifelines
Whether you are a student, a parent, or a concerned neighbor, immediate and confidential help is available 24/7. Please save these numbers and share them with your loved ones. Seeking help is a sign of strength.
Resource | Purpose | Contact Information |
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Confidential support for mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis. Ideal for students and all ages. | Call or Text 988 |
Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) | Provides 24/7 access to mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse services in Georgia. | 1-800-715-4225 |
BPD Co-Responder Program | If you need a law enforcement response for a mental health crisis in Brookhaven. | Call 911 |
Student Corner: It's Okay to Not Be Okay
On World Mental Health Day (October 10, 2025), we ask every Brookhaven resident to take a moment and reflect on the mental health of those around them, especially our youth.
The challenges of juggling school, work, friends, and family while navigating the future can make young adulthood a period of significant anxiety and mental distress. Tragically, suicide remains the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24.
The statistics on this crisis are sobering:
According to the CDC, an estimated 1.5 million people attempted suicide in 2023.
Over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2022, which equates to one death by suicide every 11 minutes.
As parents and guardians, it is devastating to see your child struggle with depression or suicidal thoughts, but you are not alone. The BPD and the entire Brookhaven community are here to support you.
How You Can Help Your Child
If your child is struggling, your support is their most important resource:
Keep the Lines of Communication Open: Check in regularly and listen without judgment. Let your child know that you are there for them and ready to help, no matter what.
Research Treatment Options: There are several different kinds of therapy that can be helpful for teens, often including a combination of medication and counseling. Do your research to find a mental health care provider who is the right fit.
Be Adaptable: If the current treatment plan isn't helping, work with the mental health care provider to modify it or try something new. The key is finding the path that encourages your child to actively participate in getting better.
Seek Support for Yourself: Supporting a child through a mental health crisis is challenging. Remember to seek support for your own well-being.
In an immediate crisis, remember the resources your Brookhaven Police Department and our mental health partners rely on:
The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988.
This free, confidential service is available 24/7 and is the most immediate way to connect a person in distress with a trained professional.
Source Citation (for informational integrity):
Data for this section is sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Traffic Safety Tips: Pedestrian Safety is the Law: Remember to STOP, Not Just Yield!
The safety of all residents, whether driving or walking, is a top priority for the Brookhaven Police Department. As our community grows and more people use our sidewalks and multi-use paths, it is critical for drivers to understand a key aspect of Georgia's crosswalk law: it requires you to STOP and remain stopped—not just yield—for pedestrians.
Failure to follow this law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91) can result in a traffic citation, fines, and points on your license. More importantly, it can have tragic consequences.
The Law: Stop and Stay Stopped
In Georgia, drivers have a clear legal responsibility to pedestrians in crosswalks. This applies to both marked crosswalks (with painted lines) and unmarked crosswalks (the area where a sidewalk would logically cross a roadway at an intersection).
A driver must stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the roadway when:
The pedestrian is on the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling.
The pedestrian is approaching and is within one lane of the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling.
It is also strictly illegal to pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk or an intersection for a pedestrian. This dangerous maneuver often leads to severe or fatal injuries.
Safety Reminders for Drivers
Look for Unmarked Crosswalks: Remember that every intersection where streets meet has an unmarked crosswalk, even if there are no painted lines.
Stop Completely: Come to a full stop before the white crosswalk line. Never stop in the crosswalk, as this forces pedestrians to walk around your vehicle and into traffic.
Turning? Look Twice: Be extremely cautious when turning right on a red light or turning left across a crosswalk. Always check your passenger side for pedestrians before completing your turn.
Reduce Distractions: Put your phone down (Hands-Free Law!) and stay alert, especially in residential areas, near schools, and at night when visibility is low.
Safety Reminders for Pedestrians
Use Crosswalks: Whenever possible, cross the street at a marked crosswalk or at an intersection where an unmarked crosswalk is located.
Obey Signals: Always follow pedestrian signals (WALK/DON’T WALK) and traffic lights.
Make Eye Contact: Even when you have the right-of-way, do not step into the street until you have made eye contact with the driver and are sure they are stopping for you.
Don't Rush: Do not suddenly leave the curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is too close for the driver to stop.
By practicing caution and respecting the law, we can work together to ensure that our streets are safe for everyone. Remember: Stop for the crosswalk, save a life.
If you see something, say something. Your call could make all the difference. For emergencies, always dial 911.
Community Events
If you are interested in volunteering or would like Brookhaven Police to join one of your events or engagements, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]
Peachtree Creek Greenway Run/Walk Club
📍 Meet at Briarwood Road Trailhead
1793 Briarwood Road NE
📅 Every Wednesday, starting September 24
🕕 6:00 PM
Lace up and hit the trail! The Peachtree Creek Greenway Run/Walk Club is open to all fitness levels. Participants can run or walk up to 3 miles at their own pace.
Whether you’re looking to stay fit, make new friends, or just enjoy the beautiful Greenway, this is a great way to stay active and connect with your neighbors. All are welcome!
Building Bridges Between Law Enforcement and the Communities We Serve
📍 Location: Northeast Plaza - 3267 Buford Hwy NE Suite #740
📅 Date: October 11, 2025
⏰ Time: 10am - 1pm
Mark your calendars for one of Brookhaven’s most impactful community events!
Join the Brookhaven Police Department and a variety of local organizations for the Faith & Blue Health & Wellness Fair, a family-friendly event focused on health, safety, and community connection.
Through fitness, food, fun, and resources, we’re bridging gaps between residents and law enforcement while promoting well-being for all.
Here’s what you can expect:
Free health screenings (TBD)
Fitness & nutrition resources
Mental health support
Music, games & snacks
A chance to meet Brookhaven officers and community partners
Why It Matters:
Faith & Blue is a national initiative designed to strengthen communities by building bridges between residents and law enforcement. This health and wellness fair is our way of showing up for Brookhaven with care, trust, and connection at the center.
Interested in being a vendor? Scan the QR Code on the flyer or click here.
Resources and Programs
Resources
Brookhaven Alert powered by Smart911 is the official emergency notification system used by the City of Brookhaven to communicate with residents during emergencies.
If you are a Brookhaven resident and you leave for home for an extended period of time you can sign up for our Residential Checks.
We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our residents and business. One way we do that is by providing free security assessments to our residents and local businesses.
If you have a traffic complaint, we are here to listen.
The City of Brookhaven Offers Brookhaven Connect, a free smart phone app for citizens to report problems like potholes, code violations or sidewalk issues.
Programs
The Brookhaven Citizen Police Academy is designed to provide community members with an overview of how their local Police Department works.
Citizens on Patrol (COPs) is a community policing program sponsored by the Brookhaven Police Department.
The Brookhaven Police Department’s “Operation Plugged In” is a police/community video partnership that operates on a voluntary basis with the homeowners, neighborhoods & business owners who own private video security systems that record public areas such as roads, parking lots and sidewalks.
Learn more about our unmanned aerial systems (UAS) unit and view their flight history.
Download our Brookhaven Police App to stay in the know while you are on the go.
Crime Prevention and Community Watch: Lock It or Lose It!
Don't Invite a Break-In: The "Clean Car Campaign"
The Brookhaven Police Department reminds all residents and visitors that the vast majority of thefts from vehicles are crimes of opportunity. A simple laptop bag, cell phone charger, or loose change left in plain sight is an irresistible target for criminals, who can break a window and be gone in seconds.
By adopting the "Clean Car Campaign" mentality, you can drastically reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
The Golden Rule:
NEVER leave valuables in your car. Take them with you.
Follow these three steps every time you park:
Remove it: Take all items of value (wallets, phones, purses, backpacks, packages, electronics, etc.) with you when you exit your vehicle. This includes third-row seats in SUVs and the back floorboard.
Hide it: If you absolutely cannot take an item, place it in the trunk before you arrive at your destination and park. Do not move items to the trunk while standing in the parking lot, as thieves may be watching.
Lock it: Double-check that all doors and windows are closed and locked. Never leave your keys or a spare fob inside the vehicle.
The difference between a broken window and a safe vehicle is often the presence of a target. Let’s work together to make Brookhaven a place where thieves come up empty.
Brookhaven Strong
In Every Story, There is Strength
Mental health is not a destination; it's a journey…one that involves challenges, vulnerability, and incredible resilience.
This week, as we acknowledge the importance of mental illness awareness, let's take a moment to look past the stigma and recognize a fundamental truth: You are not alone. Mental illness, emotional distress, or simply having a hard time is a human experience. It affects people from every walk of life, including the strongest members of our own community.
The Power of Reaching Out
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it is arguably the greatest sign of strength and self-awareness. It shows you are brave enough to fight for your own well-being.
As a community, our greatest strength lies in our ability to support one another. If you are struggling, we encourage you to:
Talk to a Trusted Friend or Family Member: Open up. You may be surprised by the care and understanding you receive.
Prioritize Self-Care: Even small actions—getting enough sleep, stepping outside for ten minutes, or drinking a glass of water—can help anchor you in a difficult moment.
Seek Professional Support: Trained counselors, therapists, and crisis lines are available 24/7. Their sole purpose is to listen without judgment and connect you with resources.
Know the Resources
Having the number for support on hand can make all the difference in a crisis. Please save this national resource. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7 for anyone experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis:
National Mental Health & Crisis Hotline | |
Call or Text: | 988 |
24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline |
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: I'm having a mental health crisis, but I'm afraid to call 988. Will the police automatically be dispatched to my house?
A: No. 988 is a confidential Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connected to trained mental health professionals. Police are rarely involved. They are only dispatched in the small percentage of cases where there is an imminent, life-threatening risk that cannot be managed remotely. The vast majority of calls are resolved with support and resource guidance.
Got a question? Submit it here, and we might feature it in the next issue!