Crime, Costs, and Control: What a Local Police Force Could Mean for Peachtree Corners

Should Peachtree Corners Form Its Own Police Department? Join host Rico Figliolini and City Manager Brian Johnson as they discuss the community’s big debate: whether Peachtree Corners should establish its own police force. From budget breakdowns and crime data to resident concerns and next steps, this is a conversation every local should hear. Watch, comment, and share your thoughts. This live simulcast stream was previously recorded. Five Podcast Takeaways (Revised) Local control & service levels: Brian explains that a city-run department could keep officers dedicated inside Peachtree Corners—improving presence, familiarity, and response times—because they wouldn’t be pulled to countywide calls. Budget reality, not a shock: Peachtree Corners currently generates about $11M toward policing via the county; a right-sized city department is estimated at ~$12.2M, leaving roughly a $1.2M gap that could mean about $70/year for a median ~$400k home—if the city covered it purely via millage (other offsets could reduce that). Specialized units won’t vanish: Critical teams like SWAT/bomb disposal would still respond through interagency frameworks; other needs (e.g., ballistics) could be handled via GBI or paid partnerships. The emphasis is on matching resources to how often the city actually needs them. Modern policing toolbox: The conversation highlights tech-forward tactics—crime center in the cloud, LPRs/cameras, and drones—as force multipliers to investigate efficiently, deter repeat offenders, and avoid risky pursuits. People strategy matters: A smaller agency (projected ~52 officers vs. Gwinnett’s ~936 authorized) can compete for talent with targeted incentives—take-home vehicles, advanced training, slightly higher pay, and even housing set-asides marketed to first responders. Next steps include a professionally administered survey and neighborhood-level meetings; only if warranted would the topic be brought before city council for consideration. Timestamp: (00:00:00) Introductions and context on the recent public meeting. (00:01:18) Community reaction and the range of opinions voiced. (00:09:35) Understanding the millage rate and how city funding would work. (00:15:15) Recent crime incidents and concerns about safety. (00:17:56) Community feedback and key takeaways from the meeting. (00:21:32) Access to specialized units like SWAT and how those services would continue.(00:24:33) Population growth and hiring strategies for a city police force. (00:28:12) Technology and modern policing tools proposed for the city. (00:32:10) Next steps: professional survey, targeted community meetings, and timeline for decision-making. (00:37:54) Final thoughts and upcoming election context.

You can listen to Crime, Costs, and Control: What a Local Police Force Could Mean for Peachtree Corners online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Crime, Costs, and Control: What a Local Police Force Could Mean for Peachtree Corners is an episode from Peachtree Corners Life LIVE by Rico Figliolini.

This episode is 40:55 long.

This episode was published on Sep 30, 2025.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from Peachtree Corners Life LIVE when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.