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The holidays are here, lights are going up, families are gathering, and our city is buzzing with celebration. But as we enjoy the season, it’s also a time to be mindful, prepared, and aware.

At the Brookhaven Police Department, our focus this month is simple: helping everyone celebrate safely. From protecting your packages and preventing scams to keeping our roads and neighborhoods secure, every small precaution makes a big difference.

Safety isn’t just a responsibility, ait’s a shared gift. When we look out for one another, we create a community where everyone can enjoy the season with peace of mind.

So as we head into the holidays, let’s celebrate with care, drive with patience, and remember that kindness and awareness never go out of season.

– Brookhaven Police Department

We’re still smiling from an incredible week of connection and service across Brookhaven.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for Coffee with a Cop at McDonald’s on Peachtree Road. The turnout was amazing! We met so many new faces, heard honest conversations, and shared stories that remind us why community policing matters. We’re already looking forward to hosting more of these gatherings in the future.

To those who shared concerns, ideas, or simply stopped by to say thank you, we appreciate you. Every conversation helps us grow stronger as a department and as a community.

And to everyone who supported our Day of Service alongside Frontline Response, thank you for helping us make a real impact. Together, we were able to assist over 50 people with meals, hygiene kits, and resources that bring hope and stability.

The heart of Brookhaven beats strongest when we show up for one another, and this season proved once again that’s exactly what our city does best.

This month, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on an incredible partner the Brookhaven Police Foundation, and to share an opportunity for residents and businesses to make a real impact on local public safety.

Through the Qualified Law Enforcement Donation Credit, Georgia taxpayers can now receive a state tax credit for donations made to certified local law enforcement foundations, including ours. This program directly supports the men and women of the Brookhaven Police Department by funding training, equipment, and community assistance programs that keep our city safe and connected.

Additional benefits:

Every dollar donated strengthens the tools, training, and outreach programs that help our officers serve with excellence.

To learn more or donate directly, visit the Brookhaven Police Foundation or email [email protected].

Together, we’re building a safer, stronger Brookhaven, one partnership at a time.

Visit https://brookhavenpolice.foundation for more information.

Please see the file below for QLED Pre-approval Instructions.

This month, we’re tipping our hats to the amazing students, staff, and families of Montclair Elementary School for hosting an unforgettable Western-themed Fall Festival Night!

From cowboy hats and boots to games, music, and laughter, Montclair’s event was more than just fun; it was a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and community spirit.

The Brookhaven Police Department had a wonderful time joining in on the festivities, meeting families, and connecting with our young residents. Events like these remind us that building trust starts early, through shared moments, open conversations, and plenty of smiles.

A big thank you to Montclair Elementary for inviting us to be part of your night and for the incredible work you do to make your school a welcoming, safe, and thriving space for students.

Because when schools and communities come together, everyone wins and in Brookhaven, that’s just how we do it.

The holidays are about more than lights and lists — they’re about showing up for one another.

As we head into this season of giving, the Brookhaven Police Department invites you to take part in three simple ways to make a difference:

Give:
Support our annual Shop with a Badge program, a tradition that brings joy and hope to local children during the holidays. Your donations help officers shop alongside kids, providing them with gifts, essentials, and the priceless reminder that their community cares. To donate or learn more, email [email protected].

Guard:
Stay alert to scams, package thefts, and seasonal crimes that tend to rise during this time of year. Keep doors locked, track deliveries, and report suspicious activity. A little vigilance keeps our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Get Involved:
Join us at upcoming community events, volunteer opportunities, and outreach programs. Every conversation and helping hand builds the kind of city where connection thrives and trust grows.

This season, let’s give from the heart, guard what matters, and keep showing up for each other and for Brookhaven.

We know — you’ve heard this before.
But guess what? Officers are still responding to calls where cars were broken into because something valuable was left inside.

As a student driver, your car can be an easy target if it looks like there’s something worth taking. And with the holidays coming up — more shopping, more late nights, and more distractions — it’s the perfect time to double down on good habits that keep your ride and your stuff safe.

Before you head out, remember these three simple steps:

LOCK your car — even if you’re just running into a store or friend’s house for a few minutes.
TAKE your backpack, wallet, and electronics with you. Thieves look for quick grabs, not locked cars.
HIDE anything you can’t take — tuck it in the trunk or under a seat so it’s out of sight.

You’ve worked hard for what you have — don’t let someone take it because of an easy opportunity.

A locked car sends a message: not today.

Together, we can reduce crime by removing the chance for it to happen — one smart student driver at a time.

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]

Time: 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Target, 2400 N. Druid Hills Road, Brookhaven

It’s that time of year again, one of our favorite traditions at the Brookhaven Police Department!

Join us for Shop with a Badge as officers, firefighters, and first responders team up with local kids for a morning filled with smiles, laughter, and holiday spirit. Each child is paired with an officer for a special shopping experience at Target — choosing gifts, essentials, and spreading cheer throughout the aisles.

This event isn’t just about shopping, it’s about connection, compassion, and community. It’s an opportunity for our officers to give back and for local children to experience the holidays with hope and joy.

💛 Want to Help?
You can sponsor a child or make a donation to support this event. Every contribution helps bring a little more light to a family’s holiday season.
To get involved, email [email protected] or scan the QR code on the flyer.

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

The holidays are a time for warmth, but sometimes that warmth can turn dangerous if we’re not careful. From candles and cooking to Christmas trees and space heaters, fire hazards increase every winter.

Here’s how you can keep your home and the people in it safe this season:

1. Stay in the Kitchen When You Cook
Cooking is the number one cause of home fires during the holidays. If you’re frying, roasting, or baking, stay in the kitchen and always turn off the stove before you walk away. Keep towels, paper products, and packaging away from open flames or heat.

2. Be Smart with Candles
Candles add cozy holiday vibes, but they should never be left unattended. Place them at least a foot away from anything that can burn, use sturdy holders, and always blow them out before leaving the room or heading to bed. Consider switching to battery-powered candles for a safer glow.

3. Care for Your Tree and Decorations
If you have a real Christmas tree, keep it well-watered; a dry tree can catch fire in seconds. Check all light strands for frayed wires or loose bulbs before plugging them in, and never overload outlets or power strips.

4. Space Heaters Need Space
Keep portable heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn furniture, curtains, or bedding. Plug them directly into a wall outlet (not an extension cord) and turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

5. Test Your Smoke Alarms
Make sure smoke alarms are working and that batteries are fresh. If you haven’t checked them this year, now’s the time. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.

6. Plan Ahead
Talk with your family about a fire escape plan, know two ways out of every room, and pick a meeting spot outside. Practice it together; it’s a five-minute step that can save lives.

A safe home is a happy home. As we celebrate this season, let’s make sure the only thing glowing in Brookhaven is the spirit of the holidays, not a fire that could have been prevented.

The holidays are filled with light, the glow of candles, the twinkle of trees, and the warmth of people coming together. But the brightest light in Brookhaven doesn’t come from decorations; it comes from the way we look out for one another.

Every time a neighbor checks a smoke alarm, a parent teaches safety, or an officer stops to serve, we’re protecting that light. The light of family. The light of community. The light of hope.

This season, let’s keep that spirit burning safely, intentionally, and together.
Because when we protect what matters, we do more than prevent danger; we keep the light of Brookhaven shining bright for everyone.

Have a Question? We’ve Got Answers!
This section answers questions submitted by our community. Here’s one we received recently:

Q: What can I do to make my home less of a target for break-ins this holiday season?

A: Think of it like a check-up, not for you, but for your house. Before the holidays get busy, give your home a quick “safety exam.”

Here’s where to start:

See What They See:
Step outside and look at your home from a different angle, the way a criminal might. Are there bushes, trees, or decorations blocking visibility to your doors or windows? If so, trim them back to keep clear lines of sight.

Secure Every Entry Point:
Check all windows and doors to make sure locks are working properly. If you have sliding glass doors, place a dowel or rod in the track to prevent forced entry.

Light It Up:
Burglars prefer the dark. Keep exterior lights on or use motion-sensor lighting to make your home less appealing to anyone passing by.

Make It Look Lived In:
If you’re traveling, have a trusted neighbor collect mail or packages and leave a light on a timer. Small details can make a big difference.

A few minutes and a couple of low-cost fixes can go a long way in keeping your home and your peace of mind secure this season.

Your home deserves a holiday check-up, too. Don’t wait until something happens, lock it, light it, and look out for one another.

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