Friday, January 30, 2004

Fairburn’s chief has big plans for his department

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
lbianchi@thecitizennews.com

Fairburn Police Chief Frederick Brown’s idea of police work is something more than writing tickets and driving patrol cars. His goals for serving the community of Fairburn in 2004 extend to the needs of his officer’s advanced training and the proper treatment of the people and the situations they encounter.

High on his list is acquiring state certification for the department. While certification helps to keep the city’s insurance costs down, it also helps hold the department accountable on everything from paperwork to firearm qualifications. Brown has had prior experience in attaining certification.

The police station itself is undergoing a makeover to more efficiently handle its workload and to provide the basic tools needed in the growing community. A 300 percent increase in the dispatch area is being built where the jail cells were previously located. In addition, a new detective facility is planned for the current courtroom area. A more efficient interrogation room with audio/video recording capabilities and personalized space for criminal investigators will contribute to the smooth running of the department.

Plans to implement a program that address domestic violence follow-ups is being closely monitored by Brown. His dedication to becoming involved can be seen in the placement of a motivation officer who will check on a family’s status, setting up guidelines and signed agreements in hopes of turning back the cycle of violence inherent in such situations.

A program involving the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, which will give peace officers training on how to deal with situations involving mentally ill offenders is also being given some attention. Part of the process will guide officers in methods of incarceration which protects all involved.

Expanding specialized training for career-minded officers is another priority. Brown believes an officer should focus his training on what he wants to try to accomplish.

“Say he wants to become a detective. I think that’s a good goal but the only way he is going to get there is to take classes that point him in that direction.”

The purchase of hand-held PDAs, updated computer equipment, firearms, patrol vehicles and a speed warning device found to help reduce speeders were listed as equipment needed to bring the Fairburn Police Department into the current century.

Officers now work a 12-hour shift, but the long shift allows them a weekend here and there to unwind. The growth of the city over the past year and the year ahead means a larger patrol division will be needed. Brown would like to increase response time from five minutes to just two minutes.

A reserve officer program of post certified police officers to help out with special events in town has been brought before the City Council for their consideration this week.

The jury is still out on which ideas will receive highest priority. Making his department accessible to its citizens is a job Brown takes very seriously.

“I think it’s important that the people know what is going on.”