HELEN – At a time when some major cities are defunding their police departments, one Northeast Georgia city is increasing its police force.
Helen, the Alpine Village in White County that draws some three million tourists each year, will add two officers thanks to a 75/25 federal grant.
“It’s a great benefit,” said Police Chief Brian Stephens. “We applied for the COPS Grant, we received the COPS Grant for two additional officers for the next three years where they pay 75% and the city pays 25%. It will benefit the agency. It’s going to benefit the community and it’s going to benefit the visitors to the city of Helen.”
The U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services awarded $250,000 in funding to Helen to defray 75% the cost of the salary of two new officers over the three-year grant period.
“I think it’s a great thing,” said Commissioner Jeff Ash. “This town’s going to grow into the need for two more police officers.”
Helen Mayor Steve Fowler said at the end of the third year, the salary of the new positions falls back on the city.
“We have to work that into the budget by the end of the third year,” Fowler said. “We’re getting it for three years at a 75% discount, and now’s a good time to be filling it because there are some officers who are looking to get employment in other areas. I think it’s a better opportunity to get some applicants for that.”
While city officials still are determining how to use the new positions, Stephens said, “It will provide stronger presence on the street within the community. We can specialize in some areas. We’re looking at ways now how we’re going to set up and utilize the two new positions, but we’re very happy with it.”
Stephens said the city incurs an expense anytime a new officer is hired, so that is simply a cost of doing business.
“Anytime we have additional officers, we’ll purchase new uniforms and weapons,” Stephens said. “I can always use patrol units, but we have enough to get by.”
Stephens is hopeful some high-end vehicles the department seized during its Operation Winter Heat drug crackdown can be auctioned to allow the department to update its fleet.
“We’re waiting on the courts now and for the hearings to take place,” Stephens said. “Hopefully, we’ll receive the vehicles and then we can auction those off and with those being auctioned we’ll use the money to buy additional patrol units.”
