Boyd: Police Getting Back in Community

Editor's Note: , Powder Springs police Maj. Matt Boyd, , and each spoke at the Powder Springs Business Association's monthly luncheon on Tuesday. Click on each person's name for highlights from their speeches.

Maj. Matt Boyd highlighted Chief Charlie Sewell’s goals for creating “pro-community-oriented policing” for the department at Tuesday’s business association meeting.

One of the “very first things” the chief did was take the black tint off the department’s patrol cars, Boyd said.

“And the reason why is he wants people in this community to be able to see and put a face with the police department,” said Boyd, who was recently  from lieutenant.

He also mentioned neighborhood watch programs and the department is planning to distribute that will get officers to interact with community members.

Boyd was filling in for Sewell at the meeting because the chief had to move into his house Tuesday. Sewell comes from the McMinnville (TN) Police Department and had been staying at a hotel until he and his family could find a house.

Boyd emphasized to the business owners at the meeting that they can call him at the department any time.

“And I know that there are some questions that business owners may have, whether it’s simple issues such as: Where do I put my surveillance cameras (or) what can I do to try to knock down employee theft—things of that nature.”

Boyd mentioned some “negative feedback” from commenters on regarding Sewell’s recommendation to the City Council to put the department’s two motorcycles up for auction.

“One thing we’re trying to do,” the major said, “is make sure that our uniform patrol division is solid as it can be, because that’s the backbone of your police department. So yes, we have in fact taken away the motorcycles—we’re going to auction those off” and put that money toward a new patrol vehicle.

For those who didn’t attend for the new police building, Boyd invited citizens to receive tours. “If you have not come to see the new police department, I recommend that you come see it.”

He also noted the recent restructuring of creating two major positions from a deputy chief position and major position. Boyd was promoted to be the major over support services, while Alpharetta police Lt. was hired to be the major over operations, including the patrol division.

“Overall, what we’re doing is we’re trying to build the foundation of this department,” he said. “We’re trying to get back into the community.”