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Expanding our Police Force, Protecting our Community
By Jerry | August 24, 2007
This summer I’ve had a lot of time to meet and talk with citizens of our great city. When I ask them what concerns them most about the current state of our community, I get these two responses: Traffic and Crime. To see what we’re doing about traffic, my blog entry from August 13th discusses that topic. But most citizens agree they would rather sit in traffic than worry about the safety of their children in their own yards.
Since my election in 1999, I have consistently voted as a council member and now as Mayor for increases in funding and for the expansion of our Police Department.
Having raised three children here in Snellville, I understand the importance of constant support for public safety. As Snellville grows, and our surrounding metro area grows, the need for an ever increasing police force grows as well.
Below you will find statistics about what we’ve done for public safety in Snellville since 1999. We’ve added officers to our streets, but we’ve also expanded the range or services we offer in our never ending quest to become the best police force in Gwinnett County.
- Number of Sworn Officers:
1999 – 34
2003 – 40
2006 – 44
2007 – 50 - In the fiscal year 2008 city budget, we added 6 police officer positions for a total of 50 sworn officers. Thats a 32% increase since when I was elected to the city council in 1999 and a 20% increase under my mayoral administration. The numbers of civilians in the police department increased by a total of 1, from 9 to 10.
- Hired a new police chief in 2004, Roy Whitehead
- Added bicycle patrols in 2004, The money for the bicycles and associate equipment was provided the business community of Snellville at no expense to the taxpayers.
- Added two K9 officers to the force in 2005 at no expense to the taxpayers.
- Added motorcycles patrols to the force in 2005 (two), a third in 2006.
- Began a needs assessment study for a new public safety facility in 2007, The city share of the 2004 SPLOST had 5 million dollars earmarked for public safety. We have used the money for numerous department upgrades, for example: new cars, radios, and other equipment.
- Added Commercial Vehicle Enforcement unit to the force in 2006
- Opened Quality of Life Unit in July of 2007. The Police Department took over the responsibility of property code enforcement from the Planning Department in 2005.
- Installed Red Light Cameras at three intersections in the city. Since their installation, accidents, injuries and severity of injuries are down 26%. It has also curbed the accident rate which had been increasing 7 to 12 percent in the prior years.
- Started a Police Explorer Post at the Snellville Police Department in 2005. It is open to teenagers from age 14 to 18 who are interested in a career in law enforcement. The explorer post is an association of the Boy Scouts of America, Northeast Georgia Council.
What else can I do as Mayor to help keep our streets safe? You comments and opinions are always greatly appreciated!
Topics: Thoughts |
August 28th, 2007 at 7:16 am
You have our support! We have notice a tremendous increase in police patrols in our neighborhood during your time as Mayor. We thank you for your strong stance on bad zonings proposed for our area. You’ve maintained a great quality of life, low taxes, an excellent recycling center and city park just across the street from our subdivision. Thank you for offering yourself for another four years of what must be at many times a thankless job. We thank you and will rally support for your reelection.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:22 am
Dear Jerry - I don’t mean to sound combative - this is an honest inquiry. I know that you are strong on better policing - have seen evidence of it, and appreciate it. But have you done things that will help our ethnic and black young people become more a part of the community? That is the best way to prevent additional crime, to get our young folks invested in daily adult life. Policing comes across to the disaffected as just more punishment - we need correction, not punishment, and jobs and wholesome activities for the young people. Please address these matters too, and let me know so I can decide about voting for you. Thank you for being a good mayor these past four years.
September 4th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
Valerie,
Thank you for taking time to post on my website! I really appreciate it when a citizen can take the time to ask a question in a civilized manner, because only then can we discuss the issues and work toward a common solution.
Now, to answer your question!
First I’d like to address the perception of police in Snellville. It is my goal and well as the goal of our Police Chief Roy Whitehead to have the department and their officers seen as a part of the community, not an overbearing authority figure. Our police do their best to investigate actual crimes, patrol neighborhoods and commercial areas in an attempt to portray a sense of safety for all of our citizens. It is NOT our policy to have our police go out, harass people and invade privacy. I understand the perception of police in other communities may take on that effect, but here in Snellville we are working hard to break the stereotype. If you feel otherwise, please let me know and I will forward your concerns to our departmental staff. We can only correct the problems you as citizens identify. Your input into our community is MOST important, and the top of my priority list.
Secondly, the City is not and cannot be the answer to all problems that affect our youth, ethnic or not. We do however; make strides to provide activities within our means. For example, the Police Department is working in conjunction with the Boy Scouts of America to create an Explorer Post. Explorer Posts are much like Boy Scout troops that are sponsored by a certain industry or aspect of our community. The Snellville Police Post offers teenagers from age 14-21 the opportunity to learn about the role of police officers in our community. My son Paul was a member of the post in their inaugural year last year.
Also, during my past eight years on council and then as mayor, I have seen our park recreational leagues grow each year. Unfortunately, the City does not have the resources to fund these completely and make them free to citizens, but we do offer rates that are as competitive as the county and other communities. Youth soccer is one of our fasting growing sports. We also offer adult softball and swimming lessons among other activities. The parks and rec page on the city website list all of our offerings.
As a small town relative to the rest of the county, we do not have a Boys & Girls Club, or a YMCA. The county offers both of those organizations at separate locations in Lawrenceville.
Valerie, while we are making efforts as a city, I know you will think of things we could also being doing to help address your concerns. Please, by all means, let me know if you have any suggestions for our city. We can only offer the services and youth activities that our citizens request. It is hard for us as a city to gauge interest or need without citizen input. I look forward to your response with ideas as well as any other questions you may have. Thanks again for taking time to read my website!
Jerry
September 24th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Jerry:
First, I want to thank you for supporting our public safety officers. For years, our police department was neglected. Second, I want to ask a question. Did Bruce Garraway work against public safety pay raises while trying to get a $60,000 pork project for a fence?
September 25th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
Jerry:
I wanted to post and say thank you for allowing the Snellville Police Department in becoming “mentors” to the Explorer group. I cannot say for other parents but I can tell you that my daughter has really enjoyed becoming one of these Explorers. And because of this; she has shown a deep interest in becoming a police officer in the future. So, thank you for allowing this to happen. I have seen one teenager come out of her shell.