Will Buckhead Security Plan Curb Crime?

BUCKHEAD — A web of surveillance cameras and more private security officers patrolling Buckhead is the remedy a community coalition has prescribed for rising.

The Buckhead Security Plan, created at the behest of business and community organizations in Buckhead, calls for both long- and short-term solutions to quell an uptick in crimes like aggravated assault and car thefts and quality of life issues like, street racing, random firearm shots and noise from restaurants and bars.

In this community within the northern edges of Atlanta’s border, partnership with the City of Atlanta and Fulton County officials will be key to driving down crime, organizers said.

“We are taking action to reverse recent trends in crime, hold lawbreakers accountable, and restore citizen confidence that Buckhead is safe and secure,” said Jim Durrett, president of Buckhead Coalition and executive director of Buckhead Community Improvement District, in a statement. “The partners collaborating on this effort understand the urgency of the situation and are committed to responding in ways that meet the needs of this moment and put Buckhead on a solid footing for years to come.”

While Atlanta Police have reported a downturn in Zone 2, which includes Buckhead as compared to the rest of the city for 2020, several recent incidents have those who live and work in the community on edge.

In December, 7-year-old Kennedy Maxie was shot and killed by a stray bullet as she rode in the back of her mother’s car past a popular Buckhead mall. On Jan. 3, gunfire outside a Buckhead restaurant left three people injured. The newly elected Fulton County Sheriff Patrick “Pat” Labat has vowed to put 44 deputies on streets across the county, with Buckhead as one of the focal points.

The actual security plan includes fortifying the strategic grid of cameras that make up the Operation Shield network. There are also matching plans to hire more security patrols for both commercial and residential areas. Plans also are in place to allow for more support for zoning and ordinance to regulate noise and “party house” issues.

To see the Buckhead Security Plan click here.