Safety Hacks, Big Events & A Brookhaven Shoutout!

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

• Safety Tips

• Community Events

• Crime Prevention

• Brookhaven Strong

• Engage with Us

January Reset: A Fresh Start for Safety & Community

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reassess routines, refresh priorities, and refocus on what matters most. In Brookhaven, that means ensuring our community stays safe, engaged, and moving forward together.

As we step into 2025, it's a great time to check in on personal safety habits, community involvement, and preparedness for the months ahead. Whether it's making small changes to improve security, staying informed about local resources, or finding new ways to support one another, every effort contributes to a stronger, more connected Brookhaven.

This year, let’s commit to being proactive—staying aware, staying engaged, and continuing to make our city a safe and welcoming place for all.

Community Heroes: Brookhaven Chamber or Commerce

This week, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to the Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce for their continued support of the Brookhaven Police Department.

The Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce—a vital organization that supports local businesses, strengthens our economy, and fosters connections between residents and entrepreneurs.

From hosting networking events to advocating for businesses of all sizes, the Chamber plays a crucial role in making Brookhaven a thriving community. When local businesses succeed, the entire city benefits!

Interested in learning more or getting involved? Visit Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce to explore membership, upcoming events, and ways to support local businesses.

To the Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce—thank you for being a valued partner in making our city safer and stronger!

Safety Tips: Safety Tip: Parking Lot Safety—Stay Aware, Stay Secure

Parking lots are common locations for accidents, theft, and distractions. Whether you're shopping, going to work, or attending events, stay alert and follow these emergency parking lot safety tips:

✅ Park in Well-Lit Areas – Avoid dark or secluded spots, especially at night.
✅ Lock Your Doors & Hide Valuables – Never leave items visible in your car.
✅ Watch for Pedestrians – Slow down and stay aware of people walking between vehicles.
✅ Stay Off Your Phone – Avoid distractions while driving through parking lots.
✅ Have Your Keys Ready – Be prepared to enter your vehicle quickly.

Taking a few extra precautions can prevent theft, accidents, and dangerous situations. Stay alert and make safety a habit!

Community Events

This holiday season, we’re bringing the Brookhaven community together with exciting events for all ages! From our festive Holidays in the Haven to the heartwarming Toys for Tots program, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Please click the photos below for more information.

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.

Brookhaven Police Citizens Police Academy - Now Enrolling
📆 Wednesday, March 5th - May 7th | 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 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!

👉 Learn More & Register Here

Special Olympics Polar Plunge
📆 Saturday, February 22nd | 12:00 PM
📍 Acworth Beach 4425 Beach St., Acworth, GA. 30101

Join us as we gear 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.

Resources and Programs

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

Crime Prevention: Protect Your Personal Info Online

With so much of our personal and financial information stored digitally, cybersecurity is more important than ever. Scammers and hackers are constantly looking for ways to steal sensitive data, but with a few proactive steps, you can protect yourself and your accounts.

Here’s how to keep your personal information safe online:

🛑 Beware of Phishing Scams

• Phishing emails and messages often look like they come from legitimate companies but contain fake links designed to steal your information.

• Signs of a phishing attempt:

  • Urgent language pressuring you to act quickly (e.g., "Your account will be locked in 24 hours!")

  • Unexpected emails requesting personal details or payment.

  • Suspicious links—hover over them before clicking to see the real URL.

• What to do: If you receive an email or text that seems suspicious, do not click any links. Instead, go directly to the company’s official website to verify the message.

🔐 Use Strong, Unique Passwords

• Your passwords are the first line of defense against cybercriminals. Avoid using common words, birthdays, or easily guessed phrases.

• Best practices for strong passwords:

  • Use at least 12 characters with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.

  • Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts—if one gets hacked, they all do!

  • Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords.

📲 Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

• 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step (like a code sent to your phone) before allowing access.

• Why it’s important: Even if someone gets your password, they won’t be able to log in without the second factor.

• Set it up on: Email, banking apps, social media, and any site with sensitive data.

🚫 Limit Sharing Personal Information Online

• Be mindful of the personal details you post on social media—scammers can use them to guess passwords or impersonate you.

• Avoid posting:

  • Your full birthdate.

  • Your home address or phone number.

  • Travel plans—announcing vacations can make you a target for burglary.

• Adjust your privacy settings to control who sees your posts and information.

🛡️ Monitor Your Accounts for Suspicious Activity

• Check your bank statements and credit reports regularly for unexpected charges or new accounts you didn’t open.

• Sign up for fraud alerts with your bank and credit card providers.

• If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.

Taking proactive steps today can help prevent cyber threats tomorrow. Stay vigilant, stay secure, and protect your personal information! 💻🔒

Brookhaven Strong

Success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built one small habit at a time. Whether it’s staying consistent with your safety practices, supporting local businesses, or making an effort to be more involved in the community, every small action adds up.

💡 A challenge for this week: Pick ONE positive habit—like locking your car doors every time, engaging in a random act of kindness, or making a new business connection—and stick to it. See how small efforts can create big results!

Let’s make 2025 a strong year —one small habit at a time.

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: I need a copy of a police report. How can I request one?
A: If you need a copy of a police report, follow these steps:

✅ Check Eligibility: Police reports are available to individuals involved in the incident, legal representatives, or insurance companies. Some reports, like ongoing investigations, may have restrictions.

📍 Visit the Brookhaven Police Department: You can request a report in person at:
Brookhaven Police Department
📍 1793 Briarwood Rd, Brookhaven, GA 30329

🖥️ Request Online: Some reports may be available through the city’s online request portal. Visit the Brookhaven PD website for details.

📞 Call Ahead: Have questions? Contact us at (404) 637-0600 to check availability before visiting.

💲 Fees May Apply: Some reports require a small processing fee, especially for accident reports.

Having easy access to police reports helps keep our community informed and protected. Let us know if you need assistance!

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