Bridges, Not Barriers: What Every Neighbor Should Know This Month

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:

• Welcome Message

• Community Heroes

• Traffic Safety Tips

• Community Events

• Crime Prevention

• Brookhaven Strong

• Engage with Us

Kindness Is Contagious (In the Best Way)

In a world that moves fast, one thing never goes out of style—kindness. Whether it’s a smile to a stranger, holding the door for someone, or just choosing patience during a busy day, small acts of kindness can shift someone’s entire mood (and maybe even their whole day).

Here in Brookhaven, we believe kindness builds safer neighborhoods, stronger connections, and a better quality of life for everyone. It doesn’t cost a thing—but it might mean everything to someone else.

So, consider this your ticket to kindness. 🎟️
We’re inviting you to join the Brookhaven Police Department in spreading kindness wherever you go. One kind word, one good deed, one thoughtful moment at a time.

Will you take your ticket and join us?

Community Heroes: Celebrating the Brookhaven Autismo Group

This week, we're proud to spotlight a group that brings love, education, and empowerment to our community—the Brookhaven Autismo Group.

On Sunday, we had the honor of joining them for their Autism Awareness Caravan, a moving and joyful celebration designed to raise awareness, share resources, and show support for individuals and families impacted by autism. From the decorated cars to the big smiles and powerful messages, this caravan reminded us that community means standing together and lifting one another up.

The Autismo Group continues to be a beacon of inclusion and advocacy in Brookhaven. Their tireless efforts are helping others better understand, appreciate, and support our neighbors on the autism spectrum—and we are grateful to walk (and ride!) alongside them.

Thank you, Autismo Group, for making Brookhaven brighter—one puzzle piece at a time.

Autism Awareness: How We Can Support a Safer, More Inclusive Community

April is Autism Awareness Month — a time to recognize and celebrate the unique strengths and contributions of individuals with autism. As a community, we all play a part in creating spaces that are safe, understanding, and inclusive for everyone.

Here are some simple but powerful ways we can support our neighbors with autism:

Tips for Community Members:

• Lead with patience and kindness. Some individuals may communicate, behave, or respond differently — give space and time without judgment.

• Use clear, direct communication. Avoid sarcasm, slang, or figures of speech, which may be confusing.

• Understand sensory sensitivities. Loud noises, bright lights, or crowded environments can be overwhelming for some people with autism.

• Respect personal space. Uninvited touch or sudden movements can cause distress or confusion.

• Model inclusive behavior. Children and teens learn by example — showing empathy, acceptance, and curiosity helps build a more compassionate community.

• Recognize signs of distress. If someone appears overwhelmed or is having difficulty communicating, remain calm and supportive. If needed, ask if there’s someone you can contact for them.

Traffic Safety Tips: Understanding Georgia’s Hands-Free Law

Let’s talk about something that affects every driver in Brookhaven—the Hands-Free Georgia Act. Enacted in July 2018, this law aims to reduce distracted driving and make our roads safer for everyone. Whether you’re headed to work, school, or cruising down Peachtree, knowing the law can save lives—and save you from a costly ticket.

Here’s What the Law Says (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241):

Drivers are NOT allowed to:

• Hold or support a phone or electronic device with any part of the body while driving—even at a red light.

• Write, send, or read text messages, emails, or social media posts.

• Watch videos or record videos while behind the wheel.

• Use headphones or earbuds in both ears while driving.

What IS Allowed:

• Using speakerphone, Bluetooth, or hands-free technology.

• GPS or navigation apps—as long as you enter your destination before driving.

• Single-touch or voice commands to answer or end a call.

• Streaming music apps (but you can’t touch your phone to change songs unless it’s through your vehicle’s controls).

What’s the Penalty?

• 1st Offense: $50 fine + 1 point on your license.

• 2nd Offense: $100 fine + 2 points.

• 3rd Offense: $150 fine + 3 points.

Why It Matters:

Distracted driving caused nearly 1,500 crashes a week in Georgia at the time this law was passed. Taking your eyes off the road for just 2 seconds doubles your risk of a crash.

Brookhaven PD Tip:

We’re out there enforcing this—not to write tickets, but to protect lives. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

Drive smart. Drive safe. Go hands-free, Brookhaven.

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]

Brookhaven Police Bicycle Ride-Along Rodeo – Free Community Event!

📆 Saturday, April 26th | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Brookhaven Public Safety Building – 1793 Briarwood Rd., Brookhaven, GA

Join the Brookhaven Police Department for a fun-filled afternoon at our Bicycle Ride-Along Rodeo! Ride alongside our officers on the Peachtree Creek Greenway and enjoy a variety of activities including obstacle courses, skills stations, and bike safety tips for the whole family.

🔹 Who can join? Kids, families, and riders of all ages—just bring your bicycle and helmet!
🔹 How to sign up? Register here to secure your spot—it’s completely FREE!

Let’s ride together, learn together, and keep Brookhaven rolling safely.

Resources and Programs

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

Crime Prevention

The IRS Is Calling You”... No, They’re Not.

Tax season is prime time for scammers—and one of the most common tricks in the book is the “urgent IRS call.” If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS or another government agency, demanding money and threatening arrest if you don’t pay immediately—it’s a scam. 100%.

Here’s what to know:

• The IRS will never call you out of the blue demanding payment.

• They won’t threaten to send law enforcement to your home.

• You will never be asked to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or prepaid debit cards.

If you're unsure, don't panic. You can always check your actual status directly with the IRS at 👉 irs.gov

When in doubt, hang up. Don’t engage. Don’t give any personal info.
And remember—Brookhaven Police will never arrest someone because the IRS called.

Stay sharp, Brookhaven. Knowledge is your best defense.

Brookhaven Strong

Stay Sharp, Stay Safe

Being Brookhaven Strong isn’t just about coming together—it’s about staying informed, looking out for each other, and never falling for fear tactics.

Whether it’s spotting a scam, driving hands-free, or choosing kindness over chaos, every smart decision helps protect our community. Let’s keep leaning into awareness, action, and support—for ourselves, for our neighbors, and for the city we’re proud to call home.

Stay sharp. Stay safe. Stay Brookhaven Strong.

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 know if an issue should be handled by my HOA or the Police Department?

A: Great question! Here's a simple way to differentiate between the two:

🔹 HOA Issues

Handled by your Homeowners Association and typically include:

• Property appearance or maintenance (e.g., lawn care, house paint)

• Noise complaints within HOA rules

• Trash can storage or placement

• Community amenity concerns (pools, clubhouses, gates)

• HOA rule enforcement or architectural approvals

👉 Contact your HOA board or property management company for resolution of these matters.

🔹 Police Matters

Handled by the Police Department and include:

• Suspicious activity or crimes in progress

• Noise complaints that violate local ordinances

• Parking violations on public streets

• Vandalism or property damage

• Traffic enforcement and accidents

• Domestic disturbances or public safety threats

👉 Call 911 for emergencies or your local non-emergency line for issues requiring police response.

Still unsure? Feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help clarify or connect you with the right department!

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