Starting a police department is easier said than done, local leaders say
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The Sandy Springs Police Department began operating on July 1, 2006. Photo: Courtesy of Sandy Springs Police Department
The city of Mableton wants to split from Cobb County and start its own police department, and while Mableton's leaders are optimistic, they should prepare for a few bumps along the way, those with experience told Axios.
Why it matters: Hurdles will likely be easier to clear if the city prioritizes hiring sworn officers, civilians and a command staff who can set aside personal agendas and serve Mableton first, said Maj. Mike Lindstrom of the Sandy Springs Police Department.
Driving the news: Mableton leaders on Monday voted to establish a 4.5 millage rate that would generate about $21 million needed for its own police force, which it wants to stand up by next year.
Friction point: Mableton's path has been met with backlash from residents who said they've had no issues with Cobb County police and have expressed concerns that the city's estimates may fall short.
State of play: Sandy Springs police on July 1 marked 20 years since it took over patrols from Fulton County.
- When the department started, it included officers who transitioned from Fulton County and cops and command staff from surrounding agencies, including DeKalb County and MARTA, Lindstrom told Axios.
- In other words, a lot of big personalities brought different perspectives and experiences on how run a police department — and those diverging opinions created tension.
- "We have our own culture, but it took forever to get to that point where we're saying, 'No, it's the Sandy Springs way,'" said Lindstrom, who started his career with Fulton County police.
Zoom out: At least two other metro Atlanta cities that have incorporated within the last 15 years — Tucker and Peachtree Corners — are discussing whether they should start their own police departments.
Zoom in: Peachtree Corners has an intergovernmental agreement with Gwinnett County for policing, but city manager Brian Johnson said the county's police force is understaffed.
- "We've had instances where there is not any Gwinnett police officer inside our city limits because they've been called outside our city for more serious crimes," he said, adding the city pays Gwinnett about $11 million for public safety services.
- Peachtree Corners began studying whether it would be feasible to start its own police force, and Johnson said the cost projections came back higher than expected.
- Johnson told Axios that residents are mixed on the idea, and the city is in ongoing talks with Gwinnett County to address concerns.
The bottom line: Along with a good return on investment, getting community buy-in is a critical first step in any effort to establish a police department, according to Lindstrom.
- That means going to town hall meetings and speaking with residents to "match up what the needs of the community are to what the officers are able to do," Lindstrom said.
- "You definitely want to go in there with some people that are familiar with the community," he said.