Atlanta police department (Dunwoody, Forsyth: crime, layoffs, schools)

[smaruska]

Hi!

My wife and I are currently researching various places to relocate...we currently live in NJ, and we just can't afford the cost of living. I'm in the Air Force now, but as soon as I get out- in about 18 months-, we'll be on our way.

Anyway, I would like to pursue a career as a police officer after I'm done serving, and I was wondering if anyone had any insight into the Atlanta PD as an employer, or if anyone knew what it was like to be a cop in Atlanta. We intend to visit in the summer to get a better feel for the area, but I'd really appreciate any information, especially on the police department.

Thanks so much!
Scott

[thedudewiththeplan]

Well, the department has had some problems with being very understaffed in the past. Not sure how it is now.

[BobKovacs]

If it were me, I'd look at departments in some of the suburbs of Atlanta, rather than in the City of Atlanta itself. The city has had some major budget issues lately, which are most likely going to result in some layoffs in an already understaffed department. Add in the amount of crime in the city (there's a robbery, shooting, carjacking, etc on the news practically every day within the city limits), and it's not what I'd call the "ideal job" unless you're some sort of adrenaline junkie.

Also, within 18 months the economy should have improved, and growth in the burbs will have started again, which will require additional officers to be hired. You'll also find it easier to live in the burbs on a police salary, as they're generally more affordable than the intown areas.

Lastly, I'd think long and hard about moving down here without a job already lined up.

[smaruska]

Thanks for the info! Any reccommendations on which suburbs are growing?

Oh, and I'd apply while still in NJ...I'd know if I made it into the academy/got the job before moving down to GA. Haha there's no way I could convince my wife to go ANYWHERE if I didn't have a job lined up!

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by smaruska

Thanks for the info! Any reccommendations on which suburbs are growing?

Well, before the slowdown, the majority of the growth was to the north in Cherokee, Cobb, Forsyth and Gwinnett Counties. There are numerous towns in each of these counties that each have their own police departments, and there's also a county sheriff's office in each.

[ramblinwreck17]

Originally Posted by smaruska

Hi!

My wife and I are currently researching various places to relocate...we currently live in NJ, and we just can't afford the cost of living. I'm in the Air Force now, but as soon as I get out- in about 18 months-, we'll be on our way.

Anyway, I would like to pursue a career as a police officer after I'm done serving, and I was wondering if anyone had any insight into the Atlanta PD as an employer, or if anyone knew what it was like to be a cop in Atlanta. We intend to visit in the summer to get a better feel for the area, but I'd really appreciate any information, especially on the police department.

Thanks so much!
Scott

I would suggest Johns Creek PD.

[neil0311]

Dunwoody is a newly formed city in Dekalb County (north of Atlanta near I-285) that will be hiring a PD in the coming months

[HeavenSoldier]

Hey, I'm not sure if you visit officer.com, it's a site where a lot of officers / law enforcement, potential applicants etc go and post topics. But on the main forum there is a Georgia police forum here, Georgia - Police Forums & Law Enforcement Forums @ Officer.com .

Just looking over the topics I saw a lot about Atlanta and the surrounding counties. They also have a ask a cop forum Ask a Cop - Police Forums & Law Enforcement Forums @ Officer.com , where you can ask questions to law enforcement officers.

Also don't forget to visit the main atlanta PD site Atlanta Police Department | Home, there is a pdf on that site called "Fragile Momentum" here is the link, http://www.atlantapd.org/files/APD%20Plan%20of%20Action.pdf (broken link) . I would read that.

There is also a topic here in that officer.com georgia forum here, My Views on the Atlanta Police Department - Police Forums & Law Enforcement Forums @ Officer.com , which is titled "My Views on the Atlanta Police Department." That may be what you are looking for. Yeah I just read the thread and it has a lot of information that may be helpful to you. The poster who started the thread posted a long post which talks about the APD, other posters also joined in with experience in the APD. Just remember that there experience will not necessairly be your experience if you don't join the law.

But I think you may want to look into working for the new dunwoody PD when it becomes available. Here is a link on the subject Dunwoody police plan adds officers, $1 million to budget | ajc.com (http://www.ajc.com/print/content/metro/dekalb/stories/2008/08/31/dunwoody_police_budget.html?cxntlid=inform_artr - broken link) . I found a blog talking about the city of dunwoody temporarily contracting police services. Dekalb Officers: City of Dunwoody to temporarily contract police services

We need more officers and less criminals. God Bless

[DeaconJ]

Hopefully the suburbs WILL NOT begin to grow again...I think we have had enough suburban growth in Atlanta to last about a century. I can't imagine anyone actually wanting the suburbs to continue the horrible, sprawly growth that has attracted much criticism and ridicule to the Atlanta area. I would hope that the city continues to grow as it has been...Atlanta's city population has grown more than any other U.S. city since 2000.

The budget problems in Atlanta will pass, just like they always do in every city, and the police department will continue hiring and growing with the city because it is a required service. I compare the situation to Dekalb County Schools...I just got hired there as a teacher - even though all I have heard recently in the media has been Dekalb's budget and staff cutbacks and a hiring freeze. Teachers and police officers are two mandatory public servants that society cannot do without.

Starting salary in the city is among the highest in Metro Atlanta, although the STEP increases are frozen for now - just like in Dekalb County Schools - but that won't last either.

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by DeaconJ

Hopefully the suburbs WILL NOT begin to grow again...I think we have had enough suburban growth in Atlanta to last about a century. I can't imagine anyone actually wanting the suburbs to continue the horrible, sprawly growth that has attracted much criticism and ridicule to the Atlanta area. I would hope that the city continues to grow as it has been...Atlanta's city population has grown more than any other U.S. city since 2000.

While you may not like it, the suburbs will continue to grow once the current economic woes pass. Not everyone wants to live in the city (as evidenced by the outward growth in the past). That's not to say that the growth can't be done smarter than it was in the past, but to expect the suburbs to just stall is very short-sighted.