Should Peachtree Corners Form Its Own Police Department? 

Join host Rico Figliolini and City Manager Brian Johnson as they discuss the community’s big debate: whether Peachtree Corners should establish its own police force. From budget breakdowns and crime data to resident concerns and next steps, this is a conversation every local should hear.  Watch, comment, and share your thoughts. This live simulcast stream was previously recorded.

Five Podcast Takeaways (Revised)

1. Local control & service levels: Brian explains that a city-run department could keep officers dedicated inside Peachtree Corners—improving presence, familiarity, and response times—because they wouldn’t be pulled to countywide calls.
   
   
2. Budget reality, not a shock: Peachtree Corners currently generates about $11M toward policing via the county; a right-sized city department is estimated at ~$12.2M, leaving roughly a $1.2M gap that could mean about $70/year for a median ~$400k home—if the city covered it purely via millage (other offsets could reduce that).
   
   
3. Specialized units won’t vanish: Critical teams like SWAT/bomb disposal would still respond through interagency frameworks; other needs (e.g., ballistics) could be handled via GBI or paid partnerships. The emphasis is on matching resources to how often the city actually needs them.
   
   
4. Modern policing toolbox: The conversation highlights tech-forward tactics—crime center in the cloud, LPRs/cameras, and drones—as force multipliers to investigate efficiently, deter repeat offenders, and avoid risky pursuits.
   
   
5. People strategy matters: A smaller agency (projected ~52 officers vs. Gwinnett’s ~936 authorized) can compete for talent with targeted incentives—take-home vehicles, advanced training, slightly higher pay, and even housing set-asides marketed to first responders. Next steps include a professionally administered survey and neighborhood-level meetings; only if warranted would the topic be brought before city council for consideration.

Timestamp:
(00:00:00) Introductions and context on the recent public meeting.
(00:01:18) Community reaction and the range of opinions voiced.
(00:09:35) Understanding the millage rate and how city funding would work.
(00:15:15) Recent crime incidents and concerns about safety.
(00:17:56) Community feedback and key takeaways from the meeting.
(00:21:32) Access to specialized units like SWAT and how those services would continue.(00:24:33) Population growth and hiring strategies for a city police force.
(00:28:12) Technology and modern policing tools proposed for the city.
(00:32:10) Next steps: professional survey, targeted community meetings, and timeline for decision-making.
(00:37:54) Final thoughts and upcoming election context.