Buckhead Safety Alliance Launches Security Patrols
Partnership with Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Police Foundation, Buckhead Coalition and others creates off-duty officer patrol in five major commercial corridors
ATLANTA – May 22, 2023 – The Buckhead Safety Alliance today announced its privately funded security patrols are now active in five commercial corridors across Buckhead. Off-duty Atlanta Police Department (APD) officers will patrol key areas throughout the community, expanding law enforcement resources for quicker responses to, and prevention of, vehicle break-ins, burglaries and other crimes.
The Buckhead Safety Alliance employs active, off-duty APD officers with full arrest powers to patrol in three fully equipped police vehicles donated by the Atlanta Police Foundation (APF). APD Zone 2 Command Staff identified the five commercial corridors where patrols will operate:
- Howell Mill from Collier Road south to I-75
- Northside Parkway north from Moores Mill to the Atlanta city limit
- Peachtree Road south from Pharr Road to Brookwood Station
- Roswell Road north from East Andrews Drive to the Atlanta city limit
- Piedmont Road south from Pharr Road to I-85
The new patrols were formed following a recommendation from the Buckhead Public Safety Task Force, which identified security patrols as a key strategy for reducing crime in the area. Statistics show most of Buckhead’s crime is occurring along commercial corridors, and similar off-duty Atlanta police officer patrols have proven effective at reducing crime in Buckhead neighborhoods and within the Buckhead Community Improvement District.
The Buckhead Safety Alliance raises funds from individuals, organizations and businesses to pay for the patrols. In addition to APF’s contribution of police vehicles and administrative services, the Alliance has secured a total of $450,000 from many businesses, residents and community leaders, including $250,000 from the Buckhead Coalition and its members. Current funds will cover operating costs through the end of 2023, and the Alliance is actively seeking donations to fund the patrols in coming years.
“This is an important public safety initiative and fills a major need as the city works to build its police force to levels that can effectively serve all of Atlanta,” said Debra Wathen, president of the Buckhead Council of Neighborhoods and head of the Buckhead Safety Alliance. “We greatly appreciate the generous gifts that have helped make this effort a reality, and we hope that many more donors will join us to help improve and perpetuate public safety in Buckhead.”
Tax-deductible donations for the security patrols can be made via the Buckhead Safety Alliance website, www.buckheadsafety.org.
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About the Buckhead Safety Alliance
The Buckhead Security Alliance’s goal is improving, protecting and enhancing the quality of life and safety in Buckhead neighborhoods and the Buckhead Business community. The Alliance will serve as a unified voice, advocate, and watchdog for public safety in Buckhead, serving homeowners, students, business owners, workers, and all visitors to Buckhead. The Buckhead Safety Alliance was formed in cooperation with Atlanta Police Department Zone 2 Command Staff, the Atlanta Police Foundation, the Buckhead Council of Neighborhoods, the Buckhead Community Improvement District and the Buckhead Coalition. For more information or to donate, visit www.buckheadsafety.org.
