Brookhaven Police Spokesman: DeKalb Still Handling All Calls

Brookhaven's new police department spokesman reminded media and the public Friday that DeKalb County is still handling all 911 calls as the city continues to build its own force. 

Brandon Gurley, the department's new public information officer, last worked for the Paulding County Sheriff's Office. Here is part of his statement:

We are currently NOT an operational police department.  We do NOT have officers on the streets answering calls in the city of Brookhaven.  DeKalb County Police are still providing police services inside the city limits of Brookhaven, just as they were before the city incorporated.  We are excited and looking forward to eventually taking over that task. The target is this summer.

I am currently working with Chief Gary Yandura and Deputy Chief Ron Freeman through the process of building and developing this agency.  We have identified a number of highly qualified supervisors that are now in the hiring process.  As you can imagine, we have the important task ahead of us of not only hiring officers, but also ordering the necessary equipment needed to provide even the most basic police services.  We ask that you be patient with us as we work through these very long days and weeks in order to introduce a highly professional agency equipped and ready to serve the residents and businesses of Brookhaven. 

Crime in Brookhaven has been a primary issue among residents after a rash of recent break-ins in the Drew Valley neighborhood. The community's association held an emergency meeting Wednesday night to address the issue. 

Read also:

• Brookhaven Neighborhood Holds Meeting to Address Crime
• POLL: Should Entrance to Drew Valley on Buford Highway Be Closed?
• Police Investigating Burglaries in Briarwood Park Area
• City to Hire More Than 50 Officers