City to Hire More Than 50 Officers

Brookhaven is now recruiting to hire more than 50 sworn police officers.

Brookhaven Police Chief Gary Yandura, who started last week, said he is looking to hire qualified police officers who match the makeup of the city, including bilingual officers.

“Our goal is to have the best officers to serve and protect Brookhaven,” Yandura said. “Our focus will be on hiring officers who understand community policing, have excellent records of service, education and attitude.”

The chief has already hired one officer – Deputy Chief Ron Freeman, who is assisting Yandura with recruiting, interviews and background checks. The city is currently recruiting patrol officers, sergeants and lieutenants, as well as detectives. The city is seeking candidates who are certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.

Yandura determined the manpower needs after conducting a thorough assessment that involved reviewing neighborhood boundaries, response times, business licenses and the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government feasibility study.

The city is offering a comprehensive benefits and recruiting package, including a monthly housing stipend for sworn police officers who choose to live in Brookhaven. The package also includes benefits for education assistance and take-home patrol cars.

“This will not only cut down on fuel costs for officers, but help with the safety and security of our neighborhoods,” Mayor J. Max Davis said. “A patrol car parked in a driveway is a strong crime deterrent.”

Brookhaven reviewed dozens of other city and county benefits and recruiting plans across Georgia, and assembled a competitive plan designed to attract the best police officers.

Brookhaven’s plan also rewards tobacco-free employees. Under the plan, the city will pay 90 percent of health insurance costs for tobacco-free employees and their dependents. If an employee or their dependents use tobacco, the city will cover 80 percent of health insurance costs.

DeKalb County Police officers currently patrol Brookhaven. The city hopes to have its own police officers on city streets this summer.

This report was provided by the city and edited for publication.