Good News & Need-to-Knows: Brookhaven’s Weekly Download

From lighting up the Greenway at the Hot Pursuit Glow Run to shining a spotlight on safety tips and local programs, this issue is packed with ways to get involved, stay informed, and support your community.

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Community Engagement
June 23, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes

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:

Light Up the Night for a Good Cause

Brookhaven, it’s time to lace up, glow up, and show up!

We’re excited to officially announce the return of the Brookhaven Police Department’s Hot Pursuit Glow Run, happening Saturday, August 23 at our new location - The Peachtree Creek Greenway. This family-friendly event isn’t just a run, it’s a night full of fun, fitness, and purpose.

Featuring a USATF-certified 5K, a 1-mile Fun Run, and a Tot Trot for the little ones, the Glow Run is designed for all ages and fitness levels. And the best part? Every stride you take and all proceeds go towards supporting our Shop with a Badge program bringing holiday joy to underprivileged kids right here in Brookhaven.

Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, we’d love to see you light up the course with us. This year we offer and opportunity to donate online and if you would like to be a sponsor for the race please email Sgt. Moore at [email protected].

This is a great opportunity to join the Brookhaven police in supporting our community together, with heart and a whole lot of glow.

Brookhaven Police Hot Pursuit 5K 2025

Community Heroes: Target—A Partner in Purpose

This week, we’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on Target, one of our most trusted and generous community partners.

Each year, Target opens its doors and its heart to support our Shop with a Badge program. Through this partnership, Brookhaven officers are able to create unforgettable holiday experiences for local children and families in need. From shopping sprees to shared smiles, the impact is real and lasting.

And it doesn’t stop there. Target also plays a vital role in our Hot Pursuit Glow Run, helping ensure the event’s success and the continued partnership in this meaningful initiative.

Because of Target’s ongoing support, we’re able to go beyond policing, we’re able to build relationships, spread joy, and serve our community in ways that truly matter.

Thank you, Target, for being a partner in purpose. Brookhaven is better because of you.

Traffic Safety Tips: Long Load? Mark It Right

If you’re hauling something that sticks out the back of your vehicle, here’s a tip that could prevent an accident and keep you legal.

Georgia law requires that any load extending more than four feet beyond the rear of your vehicle must be marked with a red flag during the day or a red light at night. This simple step helps drivers behind you see what you’re carrying and avoid a dangerous situation.

Whether it’s a ladder, lumber, or anything in between, visibility matters.

For more details, check out the full law here:
🔗 Georgia Code § 40-8-27

Let’s keep our roads safe for everyone one flag at a time.

If you see something, say something. Your call could make all the difference. For emergencies, always dial 911.

Brookhaven Police Department

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 Spanish Citizens Police Academy - Now Enrolling
📆 Wednesday, July 9th - September 10th | Every Wednesday at 7:00 PM
📍 Brookhaven Police Department

Ever wanted to see what it’s like to be a Brookhaven Police Officer? The Citizens Spanish Police Academy is your opportunity to learn firsthand about law enforcement operations, training, and community policing. Engage with officers, participate in hands-on activities, and gain a deeper understanding of how the Brookhaven Police Department serves the community.

🔹 Who can join? Brookhaven residents, business owners, and community members.
🔹 How to sign up? Spaces are limited—secure yours today!

Brookhaven Police Spanish Citizen Police Academy 2025

District 4 Town Hall – Let’s Talk Brookhaven

📆 Wednesday, June 26 | 6:00 PM
📍 Brookhaven PEP Building (2665 Buford Highway Brookhaven, GA 30324)

Join District 4 Councilmember John Funny for a community-centered Town Hall where your voice matters! This is your opportunity to get updates on City initiatives, ask questions, and share concerns that matter most to you and your neighborhood.

Whether you're new to the area or a longtime resident, we encourage you to come connect, listen, and be heard.

🔹 All are welcome
🔹 Bring your ideas, questions, and neighbors!
🔹 Let’s build a better Brookhaven—together.

Hot Pursuit 5K Glow Run – Let’s Light Up the Greenway

📆 Saturday, August 23, 2025
📍 Peachtree Creek Greenway | 1793 Briarwood Rd, Brookhaven, GA
🕗 Race Start: 8:00 PM

Brookhaven’s favorite glow-up event is back bigger, brighter, and on the beautiful Peachtree Creek Greenway!

Join the Brookhaven Police Department for the Hot Pursuit 5K Glow Run, where runners, walkers, families, and supporters come together for a night of fitness, fun, and purpose. This event features a certified 5K course, a 1-mile Fun Run, and a Tot Trot for our youngest racers.

Proceeds support our Shop with a Badge program bringing holiday joy to local children and building bridges between officers and the community we serve.

All participants receive a glow shirt and race swag
Stay for the music, lights, and post-race fun
Register early to guarantee your shirt size!

Run with us. Glow with us. Make a difference.

Brookhaven Police Teen Academy

📆 July 28 – August 1, 2025
🕘 Daily | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Brookhaven Police Department

Calling all future leaders Brookhaven Teen Academy is here!

This free, five-day course is open to teens ages 13–19 and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations of the Brookhaven Police Department. From patrol and investigations to K-9 and SWAT demos, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the role officers play in keeping our community safe.

Each day includes both instructional learning and hands-on activities, giving students the chance to ask questions, explore scenarios, and even experience the challenges officers face on duty.

Whether you’re curious about law enforcement or just want a powerful, eye-opening summer experience this academy delivers.

🎯 Space is limited, secure your spot today by completing this form!

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

Loitering—What It Means and Why It Matters

Loitering might seem minor, but it can have real effects on how safe a neighborhood feels and operates.

Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-36), loitering refers to remaining in a public place without a clear purpose—especially when someone is behaving in a way that causes concern for nearby residents, business owners, or officers. This includes refusing to identify yourself when lawfully asked or lingering around closed businesses without explanation.

Why does this matter? Loitering can sometimes be a red flag for other activity, like casing a location for theft, intimidating pedestrians, or disrupting a business. It can also impact the quality of life for others who live and work in the area.

Here’s how you can help:

  • Report suspicious lingering or gathering, especially in closed or restricted areas

  • Keep common spaces active and well-lit—visibility discourages unwanted activity

  • Encourage youth to engage in structured programs instead of hanging out unsupervised in risky areas

Loitering laws aren’t about targeting—they’re about protecting. We all have the right to feel secure in our neighborhoods and shared spaces. If you're a business owner, you can take an active role by enrolling in our Trespass Affidavit Program (TAP), which allows officers to address trespassing concerns after hours, even when you're not onsite.

Let’s work together to keep Brookhaven welcoming, safe, and secure for everyone.

Brookhaven Strong

Be Someone’s Bright Spot

In a world moving fast and full of distractions, one kind gesture can hit pause and make all the difference.

A smile. A thank you. A check-in text. Holding the door. Complimenting someone’s effort, not just their outcome. These aren’t grand gestures but they’re powerful.

You never know what someone’s carrying. And sometimes, the smallest light shines brightest in someone else’s darkest moment.

This week, look for one way, just one to brighten someone’s day. You might be surprised at how much it brightens yours too.

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: Does Brookhaven Police Department offer a pill or medicine disposal drop box?

A: At this time, Brookhaven PD does not have a medication disposal drop-off site. For safe and responsible disposal of unused or expired prescription medications, we recommend visiting your local CVS or Walgreens, many of which offer drop boxes or designated disposal days.

Proper disposal helps prevent misuse, protects our environment, and keeps medications out of the wrong hands. If you're unsure where to go, most pharmacies can point you in the right direction.

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

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