DUNWOODY, Ga. — A proposal to add more positions to the police ranks drew pushback from the Dunwoody City Council Feb. 12.
While no vote was taken on the request, Chief Billy Grogan asked to add a new sergeant and three investigators to form a Street Crimes Unit, which will primarily conduct narcotics and vice operations. Funding of the positions would begin July 1.
Grogan pointed to recent busts across the city as a reason to fund a specialized unit, focused on drug and sex trafficking investigations.
Consulting firm BerryDunn presented a study of the Dunwoody Police Department Oct. 30 and supported the plan to create a Street Crimes Unit. However, the BarryDunn report listed the additional unit as a non-urgent recommendation.
The report’s principal recommendations to the Police Department included adding three patrol officers, hiring non-sworn field personnel, and revising recruitment and retention practices.
Grogan said current Dunwoody officers will most likely fill the positions in the Street Crimes Unit, and several officers have expressed interest in the additional training required for the unit.
“It’s also something that would, I believe, help us in the long run with our recruitment efforts,” Grogan said. “More importantly, it’s something that meets a need of our department right now and of our community.”
He also requested the addition of a fleet maintenance coordinator, a non-sworn civilian tasked with administrative duties for the maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
Funding of the fleet manager position would begin April 1.
Including one-time expenses, the anticipated cost for additional police personnel for fiscal year 2024 is $616,565. In fiscal year 2025, the cost jumps to $672,900.
Council discusses request
City Councilman Rob Price asked about the number of vacancies within the Dunwoody Police…
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