No Days Off: Justice Served, Streets Safer, Community United

In this edition, we bring you a major criminal takedown, seasonal safety tips, and the tools you need to stay informed, aware, and proud to be part of Brookhaven.

Author

Community Engagement
May 05, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 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:

Public Safety Starts with All of Us

So much has unfolded over the past two weeks—and we’re back with another issue packed with crime prevention tips, safety updates, and community connections. We want to start by saying this: Brookhaven Police Department is only as strong as the community we serve. The trust, partnership, and vigilance of our residents and business owners are what make Brookhaven safer every day.

This week, we’re proud to share a major breakthrough:
Brookhaven Police End Mayhem with Arrest of Serial Arsonist & Burglar.

Between April 11 and April 29, Dillon Welch carried out a series of destructive crimes—ranging from arson and burglary to vandalism and trespassing—impacting our Executive Park and Buford Highway corridors. These incidents disrupted homes, businesses, and even a mental health treatment facility.

Thanks to the relentless work of our officers and detectives, along with crucial assistance from our community partners, Welch was apprehended and now faces multiple felony charges.

“This case highlights the importance of thorough police work and collaboration,” said Chief Brandon Gurley. “Thanks to the persistence of our team and the support of our community, a dangerous individual is now in custody.”

📹 To view footage from the investigation and arrest, visit our Facebook page: Watch Here

Brookhaven, this is why community-police collaboration matters. Your vigilance helps us act faster. Your trust gives us strength. And together, we’re building a safer city—one day at a time.

Traffic Safety Tips: Slow Down, Sunshine Doesn’t Mean Speed Up

We get it—the weather’s warming up, the days are longer, and that open stretch of road in your neighborhood might look tempting... but let’s be clear: Brookhaven is not the place to speed.

With summer approaching, more families are walking, kids are riding bikes, strollers are rolling, and pets are out enjoying the sunshine. That quick trip down your residential street isn’t worth the risk.

🏡 Here’s the rule of the road:
If you wouldn’t want someone speeding past your front yard, don’t do it to someone else’s.

And to our out-of-town visitors: Welcome to Brookhaven! We love having you here. Just know—we take safety seriously. If you’re driving through, keep it slow and respectful in our neighborhoods.

Let’s make sure our streets stay safe, our kids stay happy, and our community stays strong—one cautious driver 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]

Cops on Donut Shops: Fundraiser for Special Olympics Georgia

📆 Thursday, May 30th | ⏰ 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
📍 Dunkin' Donuts – 4040 Peachtree Rd, Brookhaven

Start your morning with a smile—and a sprinkle of community spirit! Join the Brookhaven Police Department at Dunkin' for Cops on Donut Shops, a sweet event benefiting Special Olympics Georgia.

Our officers will be on site collecting donations, handing out high-fives, and spreading awareness for a great cause. Whether you're grabbing a coffee or just stopping by to support, every dollar makes a difference.

Scan the QR code on the flyer to donate or drop by to contribute in person.

Let’s show our support for Special Olympics athletes and prove that community runs on kindness (and maybe a few donuts too).

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

Let’s Talk About Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is unwanted, unwelcome, and unacceptable—whether it happens in the workplace, in public, or online.

It’s not just inappropriate comments or gestures. It can include:

  • Repeated, unwelcome sexual advances

  • Invasive questions or remarks about someone’s appearance or personal life

  • Unwanted touching or physical contact

  • Lewd messages, photos, or texts

  • Creating a hostile or intimidating environment

Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected.

If you are experiencing harassment or witness it happening:

  • Speak up if it’s safe to do so.

  • Report it to your HR department, a supervisor, or law enforcement.

  • Document what happened with dates, times, and details.

  • Support others who come forward—it takes courage.

Brookhaven Police Department takes reports of harassment seriously. If you ever feel unsafe, please call us or submit a report. Let’s work together to create a culture of respect and zero tolerance for harassment.

Brookhaven Strong

Don’t Take Life for Granted

Every sunrise is a second chance.
Every conversation is an opportunity.
Every ordinary day is a blessing in disguise.

In the rush of schedules and to-do lists, it’s easy to overlook the little things—your health, your loved ones, your purpose. Take a moment today to pause, reflect, and appreciate what you have. Life isn’t promised, and gratitude turns what we have into more than enough.

Live fully. Love deeply. Appreciate often.
Because every moment matters.

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 Have an App?

A: Yes, we do! The Brookhaven Police Department uses the CityGuards app as our official mobile platform.

🔹 No personal information required
🔹 No login needed
🔹 Full access to updates, alerts, and resources

We know the app doesn’t say “Brookhaven” at first glance—but once you pin it to your home screen, you’ll receive real-time notifications, view our website with ease, and stay updated on everything happening in our department—from events to safety alerts.

It’s like having the Brookhaven Police Department in your pocket—without sacrificing your privacy.

Pro Tip: Download the CityGuards app and select Brookhaven once inside.

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

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