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:
It is not a stranger breaking into homes. It is a voice on the phone.
Right now, people in our community are losing thousands of dollars to someone they have never met. Not because they are careless. Not because they are uninformed. But because someone on the other end of a phone, a text message, or a computer screen knew exactly how to create urgency, fear, or trust.
These are not random attempts. They are professional, organized, and deeply manipulative. They rely on emotional connection. A caller pretending to be a grandchild in trouble. Someone claiming to be from a bank. A message saying an account has been compromised and action must be taken immediately. They are counting on panic. They are counting on silence.
We want to say this clearly. This is not just happening to older adults.
Yes, seniors are often targeted. But we are seeing victims across every age group. Young adults. Working professionals. Parents. Small business owners. No one is immune to a convincing voice and a well timed story.
If something does not feel right, it probably is not.
And it is always okay to pause. It is always okay to hang up. It is always okay to call 911 if you believe you are in the middle of a scam or being pressured for money.
We would much rather answer a call that turns out to be nothing than respond after someone has lost their savings.
For caregivers and family members, this is also a moment to check in. Have conversations with your parents. With your grandparents. With each other. Ask simple questions. Talk about common scams. Create a plan for what to do if a suspicious call comes in. That conversation could save thousands of dollars and months of stress.
Fraud thrives in isolation. It weakens when we talk about it.
In this issue, we are taking a closer look at what we are seeing, how these scams work, and what each of us can do to protect ourselves and the people we love.
We are in this together.
– Brookhaven Police Department
Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader
If you saw a little extra blue around Woodward Elementary a couple weeks ago, you might have wondered what was going on.
No emergency. No incident.
Just a room full of fifth graders, a handful of Brookhaven officers and professional staff, and some very serious trivia competition.
We had the opportunity to spend time at Woodward Elementary for a special “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” event to help students gear up for their MAP testing. Instead of traffic stops and report writing, our officers were brushing up on math facts, vocabulary words, and science questions.
And yes, a few of us were humbled.
More importantly, we laughed. We cheered. We watched students light up when they realized they knew the answer before the adults did. Moments like that matter.
MAP testing can feel stressful for students. Big tests often do. So the goal was simple. Ease the pressure. Build confidence. Show up not just as officers, but as neighbors who care about their success.
When young people see police officers in their classrooms sharing a joke, missing a question, or celebrating a correct answer, something shifts. Uniforms become more human. Conversations become easier. Trust starts early.
We are grateful to the teachers and staff at Woodward Elementary for welcoming us in and for the work they do every day to prepare students for success.
Supporting education is community safety work too.
Because when students feel supported, encouraged, and connected, everyone benefits.
Community Spotlight: Hearts of the 'Haven, Wedding Ceremonies
The Municipal Court of Brookhaven will host “Hearts of the ‘Haven” on Friday, Feb. 27, at 3 p.m. at Brookhaven Municipal Court, 1793 Briarwood Road.
The complimentary wedding ceremonies offered through Hearts of the ‘Haven are an opportunity for couples to exchange vows at no cost and will be officiated by Brookhaven Municipal Court Chief Judge Bryan C. Ramos.
“Hearts of the ‘Haven honors inclusivity, family, and community through marriage,” said Chief Judge Ramos. “It is my pleasure to help couples solidify those bonds and commemorate one of life’s most important moments in Brookhaven.”
Couples that wish to participate must obtain a Georgia marriage license and RSVP in advance through the City’s website.
This initiative highlights the Court’s commitment to serving the community and making court services more accessible.
For more information about the complimentary wedding ceremonies, contact Court Administrator Dominiqui Southall at (404) 637-0660 or email [email protected] or visit https://www.brookhavenga.gov/1001/Wedding-Ceremony
Crime Prevention - Stop. Verify. Protect: Your Scam‑Prevention Playbook
Scams are hitting everyone, from teens to seniors. Use this quick guide to spot scams early, shut them down, and help friends and family stay safe.
1. Five habits that shut scammers down
Before you click, call, or pay, do these:
Slow down
Treat urgency as a red flag: “act now,” “don’t tell anyone,” “your account will be closed.”
Take a breath, step away from the phone or screen, and give yourself time to think.
Verify independently
Do not use phone numbers, links, or QR codes that came in the message.
Look up the official number or website yourself (from a bill, card, or bookmark) and contact them directly.
Guard your information
Never give out Social Security numbers, bank/credit card numbers, one‑time codes, or passwords to someone who contacted you.
Hang up, then call back using a trusted number if you’re unsure.
Recognize payment red flags
Real businesses and agencies do not demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or payment app to a stranger.
If someone insists on one of these methods, stop, it’s almost always a scam.
Talk and report quickly
If something feels off, talk to someone you trust before acting.
If you think you were targeted or lost money, report it and ask for help right away.
2. Common scam scripts to watch for
You can use this as a sidebar or bullet box.
“I’m from the government/bank/utility. Pay now or something bad happens.”
“You won a prize, but you must pay fees or taxes first.”
“Grandma, I’m in trouble…don’t tell Mom or Dad.”
“Your computer/phone has a virus. Let me connect remotely to fix it.”
“You can double your money fast with this investment or crypto opportunity.”
“I love you / I want a relationship…can you help me with money?”
“Have you seen any of these lately? Talk about them with someone you trust.”
3. Quick checklist box
Scam Safety Check: 5 Quick Questions
If you answer YES to any of these, stop and verify:
Do I feel rushed, scared, or pressured?
Did they contact me out of the blue?
Are they asking for personal information or a one‑time code?
Are they asking me to pay with gift cards, crypto, wire, or a payment app?
Are they telling me to keep this “secret” from friends, family, or my bank?
4. What to do if you think it’s a scam
You can adapt the exact resources you like here.
Step 1 – Stop contact: Hang up, close the browser, stop texting or emailing back.
Step 2 – Protect your accounts: Change passwords, turn on multifactor authentication, and contact your bank or card issuer.
Step 3 – Report it:
National consumer fraud reporting site (for any scam).
Internet crime reporting site (for online scams and fraud).
Elder‑focused fraud help lines or senior services in your area.
Add your local resources here (police non‑emergency line, senior center, library, victim assistance).
5. Share this with someone today
“Scammers count on silence and embarrassment. Share this page with a friend, neighbor, or family member, especially someone who lives alone or is new to technology. A two‑minute conversation today could prevent a life‑changing loss tomorrow.”
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]
Special Olympics Polar Plunge
Dates: February 21, 2026
Time: 11am
Location: Acworth Beach
Join our team and help support Special Olympic athletes using this link https://charity.pledgeit.org/t/os5m7u0rgd, This is the last week to signup-up.
Citizen Police Academy
Dates: March 18 - May 20, 2026 (English) and March 19 - May 21, 2026 (Spanish)
Time: 7-9pm
Location: Brookhaven Police Dept. 1793 Briarwood Rd NE
Ever wondered what it actually takes to keep Brookhaven safe? Now is your chance to go behind the scenes with the Brookhaven Police Department!
Applications are officially open for the 2026 Citizens Police Academy!
This free, 10-week program gives you an inside look at: ✅ Criminal Investigations ✅ Use of Force ✅ Patrol Functions ✅ Police Technology ✅ 911 Communications & more!
Whether you want to learn more about how your department works or just want to become a better-informed neighbor, this program is for you.
📅 When: Starts March 2026 (Classes held weekly from 7 PM – 9 PM)
📍 Where: Brookhaven Police Department
👥 Who: Residents/business owners 21+
💰 Cost: FREE!
Don't wait—applications are due by March 9th!
👉 Apply here: https://www.brookhavenga.gov/468/Citizens-Police-Academy
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.
Brookhaven Strong
If you have been scammed, we want to speak directly to you for a moment.
You are not foolish.
You are not careless.
And you are not alone.
Fraud works because it is designed to work. It is calculated. It is emotional. It catches people in moments of urgency, fear, or trust. The embarrassment that often follows is exactly what scammers count on. Silence protects them.
Please hear this clearly.
There are people here who care about you. People who want to help. People who will treat you with dignity and respect.
If something has happened, come forward. Talk to us. Talk to your bank. Talk to someone you trust. The sooner we know, the better chance we have to stop it from happening again to you or to someone else.
And if you are at your bank and someone starts asking extra questions about a withdrawal or a wire transfer, it is not about getting into your business.
It is protection.
Our banking partners see the patterns. They recognize the red flags. Those questions are often the last line of defense between you and someone trying to take advantage of you. A pause in that moment can make all the difference.
Brookhaven is strongest when we look out for each other.
Check on your parents. Check on your neighbors. Have the uncomfortable conversations. Normalize hanging up. Normalize calling for help. Normalize saying, “This doesn’t feel right.”
Together, we can slow this down.
Together, we can protect one another.
Together, we can make sure the next scam attempt in Brookhaven is the one that fails.
That is what being Brookhaven Strong is all about.
Engage with Us
Have a Question? We’ve Got Answers!
Q: How to I report trash (multiple abandoned shopping carts) on the Clairmont Road Right of Way?
A: Please feel free to report using Brookhaven Connect or report through the Brookhaven Police City Guards app (see QR code below)
Got a question? Submit it here, and we might feature it in the next issue!