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:
When in Doubt, Call 911. We’re Here to Answer.
We want to talk about something we hear often from residents, sometimes quietly and sometimes after the fact.
“I didn’t want to bother the police.”
“I wasn’t sure it was serious enough.”
“I thought someone else would call.”
We get it. Truly. That kind of consideration comes from a good place, and we appreciate how thoughtful this community is. But we want you to know something clearly and without hesitation. Calling 911 is never a bother.
In Brookhaven, 911 is both our emergency and non-emergency number. It is the fastest and most direct way to reach us. When you call, trained professionals answer, assess what’s happening, and decide the right response. Sometimes that means sending an officer. Sometimes it means guiding you to another option, like filing a report online. Either way, you did the right thing by calling.
If you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood, someone lingering near a vacant home, or something that just doesn’t feel right, that is exactly when we want to hear from you. Please do not wait. Please do not post first. Please do not email and hope someone sees it later. Call.
We promise you this. We hear the call. Our response is quick. And when an officer arrives, it is not just about checking a situation. It is about connecting with you, answering questions, and helping keep your neighborhood safe.
Community safety works best when we act together in real time. So if you are unsure, trust your instincts and pick up the phone. That is our job. And we are always here for it.
– Brookhaven Police Department
Clarity, Care, and Calm Across a Wide-Ranging Week
This past week showed just how quickly situations can evolve and how important clear, accurate information is in real time.
Early in the week, we became aware of a social media post that was circulating misinformation. Rather than letting confusion grow, we stepped in to provide clarity, context, and verified information. Transparency matters, especially online, and addressing concerns directly helps add a layer of safety for the entire community.
Later in the week, officers were prepared for and present during a protest on Friday. Our focus was twofold. Supporting the right to peacefully assemble, while also ensuring safety and security for everyone involved and for those nearby. The event concluded without unrest, showing that preparation, communication, and coexistence can work together without conflict.
The weekend brought a very different response with the arrest of a woman accused of animal cruelty. Officers acted quickly and appropriately in a situation that understandably drew strong emotions. To keep information clear and consistent, any questions regarding the dog or potential adoption should be directed to the DeKalb County Animal Shelter.
We closed out the week with a highlight of Brookhaven police officers making an excellent arrest in a carjacking incident. Through quick response, coordination, and awareness, officers were able to take action and bring the situation under control, reinforcing how important proactive policing and community vigilance are in keeping our city safe.
Different events. Different challenges. One steady commitment. Showing up, responding quickly, and keeping Brookhaven informed and protected every step of the way.
Community Spotlight: Montgomery Elementary
A big thank you to Montgomery Elementary for inviting us to be part of their recent STEAM Night.
It was great spending time with students who were curious, engaged, and excited to learn. Seeing kids interact, ask questions, and explore new ideas reminded us how important these moments of connection and education are for building trust and inspiring the next generation.
We appreciate the opportunity to be part of such a positive and energetic evening.
Crime Prevention - Business Safety Is About Preparation, Not Perfection
Keeping a business safe does not require expensive upgrades or complicated systems. Often, it comes down to visibility, consistency, and awareness.
Based on common trends we see, a few reminders can make a real difference:
Camera placement matters. Cameras should clearly capture faces, entrances, and transaction areas. Poor angles or blocked views limit their value.
Lighting is a deterrent. Well-lit interiors and exteriors make it harder for criminal activity to go unnoticed.
Control access points. Limit unlocked doors and ensure employees know when and how to secure the building.
Train your staff. Employees should know what suspicious behavior looks like and feel empowered to report concerns immediately.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it usually is. Calling early can prevent larger problems later.
Business safety is not just about protecting property. It is about protecting people. Small, consistent steps help create an environment where employees feel safer and customers feel more comfortable.
If you are a Brookhaven business owner and would like a free security assessment please email us [email protected].
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
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
Brookhaven’s strength has always come from people choosing to stay connected. Choosing to speak up. Choosing to look out for one another, even in small, everyday ways.
Safety grows when residents trust their instincts and know they will be met with support. It grows when businesses take steps to protect their spaces, when parents and educators invest in curiosity and learning, and when officers show up with calm, clarity, and care.
This is a community that values transparency, preparedness, and partnership. Not because it is easy, but because it matters. When trust and communication guide the way forward, Brookhaven becomes a place where people feel seen, heard, and protected.
Thank you for continuing to be part of that shared responsibility. Together, we set the tone for what strong community looks like.
Engage with Us
Have a Question? We’ve Got Answers!
Q: When is the next coffee with a cop?
A: We are looking to host our first 2026 Coffee with a Cop mid February. Stay tuned in.
Got a question? Submit it here, and we might feature it in the next issue!