Paws, Plunges, and a Warm Cup of Brookhaven Connection!

From leash laws to the Polar Plunge, stay informed and stay safe. Your weekly update on safety, community, and connection.

Author

Community Engagement
January 06, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes

It’s a Cold Monday, but a great time to relax in the warm comfort of your home and read our weekly newsletter.

Not a subscriber yet? Sign up here.

In this week's issue:

Brrrr - It’s Freezin’ 🥶 - You Ready to Plunge 🏊️ 

It’s that time of the year again! It’s time to Polar Plunge!

We're gearing up for the Polar Plunge which is one of the biggest events in support of the Special Olympics, and we want YOU to be part of it! Join us for Freezin’ for a Reason with your Brookhaven Police department as we show our support for these amazing athletes.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, February 22nd

  • Location: Acworth Beach 4425 Beach St., Acworth, GA. 30101

Not ready to brave the cold water but still want to show support? No problem! You can make a difference by donating to this great cause. Even a small donation of just $5 can go a long way in supporting the athletes.

Ready to join in or donate?
Visit the link or scan the QR code to get started:
https://charity.pledgeit.org/t/NbcMXhWKzm

Special Olympics Polar Plunge

Community Heroes: Brookhaven Police Foundation

Brookhaven Police Foundation

This week, we’re proud to spotlight the Brookhaven Police Foundation for their exceptional contributions to our department and the community we serve. Established to provide support beyond the day-to-day operations of law enforcement, the Foundation plays a vital role in enhancing the well-being of officers, their families, and Brookhaven residents.

Here’s how the Foundation is making a difference:

  • Emergency Assistance: Offering financial aid to officers and their families in times of unexpected hardship or tragedy.

  • Educational Scholarships: Providing scholarships for officers’ children, supporting their pursuit of higher education and brighter futures.

  • Health and Wellness Initiatives: Funding programs that prioritize the physical and mental health of officers, ensuring they’re at their best to serve the community.

  • Community Safety Enhancements: Supporting initiatives like advanced training, innovative equipment, and programs that strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the public.

A recent recipient of the Foundation’s support shared:
"The Brookhaven Police Foundation was there for my family during one of the hardest times in our lives. Their kindness and generosity truly made a difference."

The Foundation’s mission reflects the heart of Brookhaven—community, service, and care. We’re incredibly grateful for their unwavering commitment to making Brookhaven a safer, stronger, and more connected city.

Want to get involved? Your support can help the Foundation continue its impactful work. Learn more and donate here.

Together, we can ensure a brighter future for our officers, their families, and the Brookhaven community.

Safety Tips: Phone Scams

Don’t Fall for Phone Scams!
Scammers often use fear tactics to trick people into paying false fines or fees. Remember:

  • The Brookhaven Police Department will never call to demand payment for a warrant.

  • No legitimate agency will ask for payment via gift cards.

  • If you’re unsure, hang up and contact us directly to verify.

Stay alert and protect yourself. If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it to the Brookhaven Police Department.

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

Brookhaven Police Department

Community Events

☕ Coffee with a Cop
📆 Tuesday, January 9th | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 Starbucks, 3901 Peachtree Rd
Celebrate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day by joining us for coffee and conversation! Meet your local officers, ask questions, and share your concerns in a casual and welcoming environment.

Brookhaven MLK Celebration
📆 Monday, January 20th | 5:00 PM
📍 Lynwood Recreation Center

Join us as we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This celebration is a time for reflection, community, and unity. Bring your family and neighbors to this meaningful event as we continue to build a stronger and more connected Brookhaven.

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

Understanding Brookhaven’s Leash Laws

Did you know that all dogs must be on a leash when in public spaces, including Brookhaven parks? This isn’t just for convenience—it’s a matter of safety for pets, their owners, and the community.

Key points to remember:

  • Leash Requirements: Dogs must always be under the physical control of their owner or handler.

  • Designated Areas: Leash laws apply to all public spaces unless specifically marked as an off-leash area.

  • Park Etiquette: If you and your pet are enjoying Brookhaven Park, please keep your dog on a leash until you enter the designated off-leash area. All dogs, even your adorable puppy, must remain leashed outside these specific areas.

  • Why It Matters: Keeping dogs on a leash prevents accidents, ensures safety, and fosters a welcoming environment for everyone in Brookhaven’s parks and public areas.

Violating leash laws may result in fines or other penalties. Be a responsible pet owner and help keep our community safe and enjoyable for all.

For more details, you can review Brookhaven’s leash law ordinance here: Brookhaven Municode - Animal Leash Laws.

Let’s work together to make Brookhaven a safe and welcoming space for pets and people alike!

Brookhaven Strong

"Respect is earned, pride is shared, and community is built together."

As we move through 2025, let’s commit to treating one another with kindness and dignity. Each act of respect strengthens our community, and every moment of pride fuels our shared success. Together, we can create a city where everyone feels valued and supported.

Challenge of the Week:
Show respect and pride in your community by helping a neighbor or thanking someone who serves Brookhaven. Share your story with us here!

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: Do my dogs have to be on a leash in parks?
A: Yes! All dogs must be on a leash in Brookhaven parks, as required by local ordinance.

This rule ensures the safety of everyone—both pets and residents. Review Brookhaven Municode Section 5-5 here.

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

Reply

or to participate.