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

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We want to start this week with a sincere thank you to our Brookhaven officers and employees who worked behind the scenes during the recent winter weather. Even though our city avoided the worst of it, teams were monitoring conditions, sharing road and weather updates, and staying ready to respond if needed. That kind of preparation matters, even when the impact is light.

Our thoughts are also with neighbors across Georgia who were more directly affected by Winter Storm Fern. We know how disruptive and stressful winter weather can be, and we are thinking of those communities as they recover.

While we may have missed the ice, the cold is still very real. As you head out tomorrow and in the days ahead, please dress warmly, allow extra time on the roads, and stay aware of changing conditions. A few small precautions can go a long way in keeping everyone safe.

– Brookhaven Police Department

This week, we want to shine a light on a few common questions we hear after traffic accidents. These situations can be stressful, and understanding what officers can and cannot do under Georgia law can help reduce confusion in the moment.

Accidents on private property

A question we often hear is, “Why didn’t the officer issue a citation when my car was hit in a parking lot?”

Under Georgia law, most traffic laws do not apply on private property. Officers can only enforce three violations in these situations: hit and run, DUI, and reckless driving. If none of those occurred, the officer’s role is to document the damage, gather information from everyone involved, and create a report. From there, the insurance companies take over the process.

While it can feel frustrating, this approach ensures the facts are recorded accurately and fairly, even when a citation is not issued.

Duty to remove a vehicle from the roadway

Another important law to know involves clearing the roadway after an accident. If a crash results in minor damage and no serious injuries, drivers are required to move their vehicles out of traffic as soon as it is safe to do so. This helps prevent secondary crashes and keeps traffic flowing for everyone.

If your vehicle cannot be moved or someone is injured, staying in place and calling for help is the right decision. Safety always comes first.

Knowing these laws ahead of time can make an already stressful situation a little easier to navigate. Our goal is always to keep everyone safe while ensuring the law is applied consistently and fairly.

We want to send a special thank you to Flock Safety for inviting our team to lead a personal safety workshop at their recent Flock Together event.

It was a great opportunity to connect, have real conversations, and share practical tips around situational awareness, workplace safety, and everyday habits that help people feel more confident and prepared. What stood out most was the engagement. People asked thoughtful questions, shared their own experiences, and leaned into the idea that safety is something we all play a role in.

Partnerships like this matter. When organizations, employees, and public safety come together around prevention and awareness, it strengthens the whole community. We’re grateful for the invitation and the chance to learn alongside one another.

If your organization would like a personal safety workshop, please email us at [email protected].

Hello neighbors. We wanted to share a special opportunity for the Cross Keys Band. These talented students have been invited to perform at Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama, an incredible honor that recognizes their hard work and dedication.

Your support can help cover travel and lodging costs so every student has the chance to participate. If you’re able, please consider donating or sharing the link to help make this experience possible. The deadline to give is January 30.

Thank you for supporting our students and the arts in our community.

Prescription medications help many people manage pain, recover from illness, and maintain their health. But when they are misused or improperly stored, they can also create serious safety risks for families and the community.

Under Georgia law, specifically O.C.G.A. §16-13-75, it is illegal to possess or use prescription medication that was not prescribed to you. Sharing medication, even with good intentions, can lead to serious legal and health consequences.

Here are a few simple steps that make a big difference:

Most prescription drug misuse starts at home, often unintentionally. Taking a few extra precautions helps protect loved ones, prevents theft, and keeps medications from being used in ways that cause harm.

If you ever have questions about safe storage or disposal, we are always happy to help point you in the right direction.

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]

Dates: February 21, 2026
Time: TBD
Location: Acworth Beach

Join our team and help support Special Olympic athletes using this link https://charity.pledgeit.org/t/os5m7u0rgd

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

Weeks like this are a reminder that safety is not just about what happens in emergencies. It is about preparation, awareness, and the small choices we make every day. From monitoring winter weather, to understanding traffic laws, to safely storing medications at home, these moments all connect back to one shared goal. Taking care of one another.

Brookhaven is strongest when residents look out for neighbors, ask questions, and stay engaged. We see it in the way people slow down in cold weather, check in on friends during storms, and take steps to prevent problems before they start. That collective effort matters more than most people realize.

Thank you for being part of a community that values safety, responsibility, and connection.

Take five minutes this week to check how prescription medications are stored in your home. Move them to a secure location if needed and safely dispose of anything that is no longer used. It is a small step that can make a big difference for your household and our community.

As always, we appreciate the trust you place in us. Stay warm, stay safe, and we will see you next week.

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