Crime & Safety

Rep. Henson Vows to 'Take Back Our Community'

Hundreds attend a meeting hosted by county officials to discuss neighborhood crime

Rep. Michele Henson, DeKalb Police Chief William O'Brien, County Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton, Sen. Steve Henson and Rep. Karla Drenner spoke at the PRISM (Pride Rings in Stone Mountain) meeting Thursday at St. Timothy United Methodist Church to discuss crime along the Memorial Drive Corridor and in nearby neighborhoods. Hundreds of people turned out to hear them and voice their concerns after the rape and brutal beating of a woman at the church on Feb. 26, as well as other recent crimes.

"We've got to take action now, and we've got to do it together," Chief O'Brien said, emphasizing that the police force needed residents' help in gathering information. The department covers 267 square miles, he said, an area too large for the police to be everywhere at all times. "We have to do this together, folks."

An elderly lady asked the police chief about the recent arrest and jail experience of Jeanie Lovelady, 65, a Tucker woman who was allegedly mistreated and strip-searched by police following a traffic violation.  O'Brien said those arrested are under the purview of the sheriff's department once they are taken to the jail. But his department is looking into the arrest. "We're looking into that portion," he said. He couldn't say much about it because of the investigation, he said.

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County budget cuts will not affect public safety, Commissioner Barnes Sutton promised. Chief O'Brien said the cuts had not reduced the number of police on the streets.

"The budget cuts are necessary. We have many things to look at, but public safety will not suffer," Sutton said in response to a question from Marty Collier, an East Lake Commons resident. "Public safety will not be affected."

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Henson said residents were going to get help in learning how to have strong, effective neighborhood watch programs and in learning about effective security systems, among other things. "We're going to take back our community," she told the crowd.

Some attendees expressed concern about the type of businesses now on Memorial Drive. The commission can only determine the zone, but the business owner determines where to set up shop, Sutton said.

A number of studies have been done on revitalizing the corridor, and now is the time to act, Sutton said.  “We’re at the stage now where they need to be implemented," she said.

Memorial Drive is a key part of DeKalb County, she said, connecting the state capitol with Stone Mountain Park, the second-biggest tourist attraction in the southeast.  “With your help we can bring our community back to the glory days.”

Many residents expressed concern about code violations -- abandoned and boarded up houses, tractor trailers parked in driveways and general neglect that causes what Rep. Henson called the "broken window syndrome" that attracts criminals.  

Rep. Drenner called for a few moments of silence in honor of the victim and the horrific crime that recently took place at the church. The victim is "improving every day," one church member said. But she is still so traumatized that she cannot yet give the police a description for a sketch.

Sen. Steve Henson expressed satisfaction at the number of people who turned out for the meeting. "Your coming back is important," he said. "I know I'm coming back next month." The next meeting will be held April 14 at St. Timothy.


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