Off-Duty Police Now Patrolling DeKalb Commercial Property District

Decatur, GA -- Off-duty DeKalb police are now patrolling commercial properties in one of the county’s busiest commercial corridors.

Public safety patrols conducted by off-duty DeKalb County Police officers launched in the East Metro DeKalb Community Improvement District (CID) during the first week of July. Coverage is initially focusing on Wesley Chapel Road and Panola Road.

Officers will work staggered shifts over multiple days, primarily overnight hours. Patrols will be tailored to watch for property crimes and other types of incidents that occur most often.

Sgt. Susan Sowell, who is leading the patrols, said CID property owners can contact DeKalb’s east precinct to report problems.

“I will use a variety of enforcement options, such as high-visibility patrols, the operation of speed detection devices, safety checks and foot patrols,” Sowell said. “The officers will operate in the targeted areas during certain peak hours of crime. The areas will be identified by analytical data, lookouts and persons of interest, provided by the crime analysis.”

Officers will generate reports for the benefit of CID leaders. These insights will allow the CID to reach out to commercial property owners and business leaders to advise them of concerns and trends. Additionally, an officer will provide an overall safety update as part of the CID’s regular meetings.

The East Metro DeKalb CID formed in 2014 through a unanimous vote of the DeKalb commission. CID membership is growing, so far accounting for more than 205 commercial property owners.