Law-enforcement professionals in Henry County are hopeful that input from area residents will serve as a catalyst for continued improvements going forward.
The Henry County Police Department recently conducted a Citizen Survey to gauge the agency’s success and to help create a framework for policing initiatives locally.
The survey, conducted in April of 2018, yielded 976 responses on topics including police awareness and professionalism, and what residents want to see from law enforcement.
Respondents voiced a desire for more participation in Neighborhood Watch Programs. Some asked to be contacted by the Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS) Unit but were determined to already be within an existing Watch Program.
The police department has instituted a “Quality of Life” Unit to address concerns raised in the survey. Priorities identified by respondents ranged from increased drug enforcement to cracking down on speeders, but an overwhelming percentage of priorities centered on quality-of-life issues.
Respondents want more officer visibility, especially in commercial areas and places of business to deter theft, and in neighborhoods to reduce property damage and help residents to feel safe in their communities. The Quality of Life Unit will work to address these and other pressing issues so that Henry County can remain a great place to live, work, and play.
The survey indicated that 55.7 percent of respondents follow the police department on Facebook. However, 38.9 percent do not follow the agency on social media.
Many respondents asked for more opportunities for young people. The department hosts Police Explorers Post No. 562, governed by the Learning for Life division of the Scouts of America. Based out of the Henry County Training Unit, post leaders plan to concentrate on career opportunities, leadership, character education, citizenship and life skills for young people age 14-20.
Respondents also expressed a desire for a more inclusive police department. Overall, respondents said there were not enough officers on shifts, with some saying officers do not always represent their communities. Since the time of the survey, the police department has conducted three hiring boards and hired 24 officers, 13 of whom are racial minorities or females. For more information about the survey, contact Research & Development Specialist Kimberly Monast at 770-288-8133 or kmonast@co.henry.ga.us.
