The Tucker-Northlake Community Improvement District (CID) is amping up its public safety efforts through a new collaboration with DeKalb County Commissioner Robert Patrick. Together, they are expanding the district's off-duty officer patrol program, injecting an additional $100,000 into the initiative to extend its reach into more neighborhoods. This move aims to directly address the uptick in criminal activities typically seen during the summer months.
With the recent allocation of funds by Commissioner Patrick, the CID is set to more than double the number of patrols in District 1. According to DeKalb County's official news release, this effort signifies a "shared responsibility" for public safety that is expected to bolster community security and benefit local businesses.
The initiative comes on the heels of intensified demands from commercial property owners for stronger law enforcement presence. The Tucker-Northlake CID, which has been funding off-duty patrols since 2018, had previously dedicated $100,000 from its reserves last year to enhance local security. This practice will now see an even greater expansion due to the partnership. "This partnership represents our ongoing commitment to support the good work of the DeKalb County Police Department by funding supplemental patrols," Executive Director Matthew Lee told DeKalb County News.
The list of areas to benefit from the increased patrol includes neighborhoods such as Evansdale and Northcrest, among others. Commissioner Patrick sees the collaboration as a way to “deliver real results for our DeKalb County community.” He has expressly stated, “A strong and visible law enforcement presence helps deter criminal activity and sends a clear message that these are communities where people care and crime is not tolerated.” Officers will also be responsible for providing detailed weekly activity reports to both the CID and Patrick's office. In addition to their patrol duties, they'll be distributing public safety information to residents, cautioning them to report crimes and any suspicious activities promptly.
It's a move that both the CID and Commissioner Patrick hope will echo throughout the community, ensuring a safe environment amidst the seasonal rise in criminal activity. Although the patrols are an added layer of security, residents in emergencies are still urged to dial 911, with other concerns directed to the non-emergency contact at 404-294-2911.
