Buckhead Security Plan Unveiled
Today leaders from 11 business and civic organizations, local government and law enforcement released the Buckhead Security Plan, a blueprint for addressing rising crime in Buckhead. The Buckhead Security Plan includes near-term and longer-term actions to increase the safety and security of people who live in, work in and visit Buckhead for shopping and entertainment.
The Buckhead Security Plan includes strategies to improve crime deterrence and enforcement of existing laws, as well as changes to policies and procedures that will have a positive impact on public safety. Near-term actions include strengthening the Operation Shield camera network by creating a strategic grid of cameras in Buckhead, creating a supplementary security patrol for commercial areas using extra-duty law enforcement officers, and creating a coordinated security patrol of residential areas by engaging the private security units already operating in Buckhead neighborhoods. The Buckhead Community Improvement District, which has funded a dedicated supplemental patrol officer and vehicle for the commercial core since March 2020, today voted to fund one additional patrol officer and vehicle and plans to consider a third officer and vehicle early in 2021.
The Buckhead Security Plan also includes 20 objectives aimed at increasing support for and coordination with entities responsible for items such as enforcement of noise and “party house” ordinances; controlling street racing; identifying license and permit violations; spot checking overcrowding at problematic establishments; and other actions that ensure public safety. It also aims to increase support for hiring, training and retention of APD officers to achieve a full force, and for the establishment of a new training center for APD and Atlanta Fire Rescue Dept.
The collaborative plan taps public and private sector support and is designed to leverage the public sector police activity. Each action area within the plan will be led by one or more of the partnering organizations, which are responsible for cost analysis, management responsibilities, and identifying funding sources.
“We are taking action to reverse recent trends in crime, hold lawbreakers accountable, and restore citizen confidence that Buckhead is safe and secure,” said Jim Durrett, president of Buckhead Coalition and executive director of Buckhead Community Improvement District. “The partners collaborating on this effort understand the urgency of the situation and are committed to responding in ways that meet the needs of this moment and put Buckhead on a solid footing for years to come.”
The Buckhead Security Plan was developed by the Buckhead Coalition, the Atlanta Police Foundation, Atlanta City Council (J.P. Matzigkeit and Howard Shook), Fulton County Commission (Robb Pitts and Lee Morris), City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office (Jon Keen), Atlanta Police Department, Zone 2, Buckhead Community Improvement District, Livable Buckhead, Buckhead Business Association, Buckhead Council of Neighborhoods, and Neighborhood Planning Units A, B, and C. The full plan is available at https://sites.google.com/atlantapolicefoundation.org/the-buckhead-security-plan/home.
About The Buckhead Coalition
The Buckhead Coalition is a nonprofit civic association with a mission to advocate on behalf of the Buckhead community within the city of Atlanta and metropolitan region; to support the well-being of Buckhead’s residents, businesses and visitors; to convene public and private sector leaders and partner organizations; and to connect Buckhead to other areas of the city and region.
