Welcome to the Brookhaven Community Pulse. Your weekly guide to staying informed, safe and connected with our community.

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As the seasons change, one thing remains constant in Brookhaven, our community’s willingness to show up.

Halloween reminded us of that. Streets were filled with laughter, costumes, and families safely celebrating together. We’re grateful for every neighbor who turned on a porch light, looked out for one another, and helped make it a safe night for our kids.

Now, we’re shifting from candy to connection. This week, we’re gearing up for Coffee with a Cop at McDonald’s and preparing for our annual Day of Service — two opportunities that remind us why we do what we do. It’s not about events; it’s about people.

Whether it’s a quick chat over coffee or lending a hand to someone in need, these small moments of connection are what keep Brookhaven strong.

So as we move deeper into this season of gratitude, let’s keep showing up for each other, for our neighborhoods, and for the city we call home.

– Brookhaven Police Department

We talk a lot about connection and this week, we’re putting that word into action.

Join us for Coffee with a Cop on Friday, November 7th at 9 a.m. at McDonald’s, 4010 Peachtree Road.

This isn’t a meeting or a formal event, it’s a chance to sit down, share a cup of coffee, and have real conversations that matter. We want to hear everything, not just the good, but the honest.

What do you want to see in your neighborhood?
What concerns do you have about safety or communication?
What ideas do you think could make Brookhaven stronger?

We can only grow if we know and your voice is how we get better. Every comment, concern, or idea helps us understand how to serve you more effectively.

So stop by, say hello, and let’s talk about what’s working and what could work better. Together, we’ll keep Brookhaven safe, connected, and moving forward.

This week, we’re proud to highlight McDonald’s, located at 4010 Peachtree Road, for partnering with the Brookhaven Police Department to host Coffee with a Cop.

Their team will open their doors (and brew plenty of coffee) to help bring officers and residents together in a relaxed, welcoming environment — no agendas, no barriers, just honest conversations and good company.

Partnerships like this remind us that community safety isn’t built by one department alone. It takes local businesses, residents, and officers showing up, together.

To our friends at McDonald’s, thank you for being a consistent supporter of our city and for helping create the kind of connection that keeps Brookhaven strong.

This week, we’re proud to celebrate Officer Hawkins, a dedicated member of the Community Engagement Unit and our Youth Programs Liaison.

When it comes to connecting with Brookhaven’s young people, Officer Hawkins is the heartbeat of our department. From leading our Teen Academy to working closely with local schools throughout the year; she has created programs that do far more than teach safety, they build character, confidence, and community.

Through mentorship, education, and genuine care, Officer Hawkins helps our youth understand what it means to make better choices, surround themselves with positive influences, and look out for one another. Her work reminds us that community strength starts early with the next generation learning what it means to serve, respect, and lead.

Please join us in giving a round of applause to Officer Hawkins for her outstanding dedication, creativity, and heart for our youth.

If your school, house of faith, or youth organization is located in Brookhaven and would like to invite Officer Hawkins to speak or collaborate, please contact [email protected], she’s always happy to connect and make an impact.

Thank you, Officer Hawkins, for all you do to shape the future of Brookhaven.

On Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Brookhaven Police Department, alongside our amazing community partners, will host a Day of Service at the Salvation Army, 2090 N. Druid Hills Road.

This event is all about hope, dignity, and connection. Together, we’ll be providing meals, hygiene support, and encouragement to neighbors who are experiencing homelessness or simply going through hard times.

If you or someone you know needs help finding stability, housing, or a fresh start, this is the day for you or them.

And if you’re in a position to give, we invite you to think of another this season. We’re collecting toiletries, hygiene products, and essential items now through the event date. Donations can be dropped off at the Brookhaven Police Department (1793 Briarwood Road) during normal business hours.

When one person rises, we all do. Let’s show up for each other and keep Brookhaven a city built on care, not circumstance.

Scammers don’t just target adults, they go after students too. From fake job offers to sketchy “giveaways” on social media, it’s easier than ever to fall into a trap that looks real at first glance.

Here’s what to watch for and how to stay one step ahead:

Too Good to Be True = It Probably Is.
If someone online offers money, game credits, or “easy cash” in exchange for your info or quick favors, walk away. Scammers know how to make things look official, but their goal is to steal your personal details or bank info.

Don’t Click Random Links.
If you get a message that seems weird, even from a friend, think twice before clicking. Their account might’ve been hacked, and one click can expose yours too.

Fake Job or Scholarship Offers.
Some scammers pretend to offer part-time jobs or scholarships to get your Social Security number or bank account info. Real opportunities never ask for personal or payment details up front.

Protect Your Privacy.
Never share your passwords, student ID numbers, or personal details online. If you’re not sure if something’s real, talk to a parent, teacher, or school officer before responding.

When in Doubt, Talk It Out.
If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut and your circle. Report suspicious messages to your school resource officer or a trusted adult.

The best defense is awareness. Staying alert keeps your identity and your future safe.

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]

📍 Location: 4010 Peachtree Rd Brookhaven, GA 30319
📅 Days: Friday
🕓 Time: 9-11am

No speeches. No agenda. Just coffee and conversation.
Join the Brookhaven Police Department for Coffee with a Cop, a chance to sit down with officers, share your thoughts, ask questions, and talk about what matters most in our community.

Your voice helps shape a safer, stronger Brookhaven. Come as you are and we’ll bring the coffee.

📅 Saturday, November 8, 2025
⏰ 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
📍 Salvation Army, 2090 N Druid Hills Rd

Join the Brookhaven Police Department and community partners for a powerful Day of Service: providing meals, hygiene support, and encouragement to neighbors experiencing homelessness. Accepting donations at the police department (1793 Briarwood Rd NE).

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

As we head into the holiday season, excitement is in the air and unfortunately, so are scams. Scammers are getting smarter, faster, and more creative every year, targeting everything from holiday donations to online shopping, delivery texts, and even QR codes.

Here’s how to keep yourself and your loved ones protected this season:

Block Unwanted Calls and Texts

Most major phone carriers offer tools to block spam calls and messages. Enable these settings through your provider’s app or website. It’s one of the easiest ways to cut down on scams before they reach you.

If you receive a suspicious text or call:

Watch for Payment Red Flags

Anyone who demands payment immediately or only through cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers is almost certainly a scammer. Legitimate organizations don’t operate that way, ever. Pressure tactics are a major red flag.

Verify Before You Trust

Scammers often impersonate a loved one, boss, or friend, hoping you’ll react before you think. If someone messages you asking for money, help, or sensitive info:

Engaging even once tells scammers your number is active and can lead to more attempts.

Beware of “Quishing” (QR Code Scams)

Scammers are now using fake QR codes, called quishing; to steal information. They replace real QR codes on flyers, parking meters, or even emails with fraudulent ones that send you to a fake website.

If you scan a QR code:

Read more from the Better Business Bureau: bbb.org article on fraudulent QR codes

Talk It Out

If you’re unsure whether something is a scam, don’t stay silent. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or contact the Brookhaven Police Department’s non-emergency line at 404-637-0600. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also offers excellent resources: How to Avoid a Scam.

The bottom line: Be alert. Be aware. Scammers prey on urgency and distraction, two things that rise during the holidays. Slow down, double-check, and when in doubt, don’t click.

Let’s keep Brookhaven a city where generosity thrives and scams stop at the inbox.

This week is a reminder that community doesn’t just happen, it’s built every time someone decides to show up.

From preparing for our Coffee with a Cop at McDonald’s to gathering donations for our Day of Service, this season is about more than events, it’s about connection. It’s about slowing down long enough to listen, to serve, and to make sure no one in Brookhaven feels unseen.

Every act of kindness matters. Every conversation counts. When we show up for one another, we build the kind of trust that makes a city stronger than any challenge it faces.

So, whether you’re joining us for coffee, dropping off donations, or simply checking in on a neighbor; thank you for being part of the work that makes Brookhaven what it is.

Together, we’re proving that showing up still changes everything.

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

Q: How can I make sure I’m donating to a real charity and not a scam?

A: Great question, especially as we move into the season of giving. Some scammers set up fake charities to take advantage of people’s generosity, particularly during tragedies, disasters, and the holidays.

Before you give, take a few simple steps to protect yourself and your donation:

Do your research.
Look up the organization through the State of Georgia Office of Consumer Protection or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) before you donate.

Verify the name.
Fake charities often choose names that closely resemble legitimate ones or copy their logos to look convincing. Make sure you’re on the official website of the organization you want to support.

Don’t give under pressure.
If someone urges you to donate immediately or insists on a specific payment method, take it as a red flag. Real charities don’t use high-pressure tactics.

Check the IRS database.
If you’re planning to claim your donation as a tax deduction, confirm that the organization is a registered 501(c)(3) using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool.

Remember, giving should feel good, not rushed or uncertain. A few extra minutes of research can make sure your generosity goes exactly where you intend it to.

For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s guide to Giving to Charity Safely.

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