SUBSTITUTE
Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 6
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Commission Districts
A Resolution Requesting The Administration Implement A DeKalb County Police Department Community Liaison Program; Require Hate Crimes Identification Training For Law Enforcement; And For Other Purposes
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner Edward C. “Ted” Terry
Phone Number: 404-371-4909
PURPOSE:
A Resolution Requesting The Administration Implement A DeKalb County Police Department Community Liaison Program; Require Hate Crimes Identification Training For Law Enforcement; And For Other Purposes.
NEED/IMPACT:
The DeKalb County Governing Authority is committed to equality and safety for all DeKalb County residents and visitors. DeKalb County’s 2023 Non-Discrimination Ordinance prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based on numerous identities, including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, disability, familial status, political opinion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. DeKalb County is home to many diverse populations, including immigrant, refugee, and historically marginalized communities that often face barriers to accessing justice, such as language access, cultural stigmas, or historical trauma. A community liaison program within the DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) would strengthen relationships with underserved populations, provide culturally responsive engagement, and reinforce public trust and safety. Georgia Equality’s 2023 Equality Progress Report recommended the establishment of a police liaison program and mandatory hate crimes training as key measures to strengthen equitable law enforcement practices and community trust.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Unknown at this time.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve the resolution and authorize the Chief Executive Officer or her designee to execute all necessary documents...