Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Acworth police outline drone program, training and crime stats in 2026 budget visioning
Summary
Acworth’s police chief told aldermen the department will deploy two drone-first-responder drones and expand training, reporting 22,367 calls in 2025 and a 38% reduction in uses of force tied to arrests compared with 2024.
Acworth’s police chief presented the department’s 2026 budget visioning to the Board of Aldermen on Feb. 2, highlighting organizational changes, new technology and training initiatives intended to strengthen patrol capacity and community outreach.
The chief said the department reorganized to add five lieutenant positions to increase on-scene supervisory coverage and described promotions across command staff. He recognized Corporal Hardy for work on a difficult child-protection case and victim advocate Emily Hall, who he said "averages 52 cases a month," noting her role as a conduit to services for victims.
On technology, the chief described a five-year agreement with Flock that will place two drones — one on the roof of city hall and one at the police department — and said the DFR (drone-first-responder) program will provide near-instant 911 transcripts and camera access to aid officers at chaotic scenes. The chief said Macy Williams, the department’s crime analyst, has completed a Part 107 pilot’s license and will help lead the DFR program.
The chief also discussed equipment and training investments funded in part with asset-forfeiture funds, including barricades, new backup handguns and a simunition training device. He said the department implemented mandatory Brazilian jiu-jitsu training for enforcement staff to reduce reliance on force.
The presentation included 2025 metrics: 22,367 calls for service, more than 5,000 citations issued, over 3,700 open-records requests processed and a reported 38% reduction in uses of force associated with arrests versus 2024. The chief said staff will propose an alarm ordinance aimed at reducing false alarm responses (historically about 93–94% faults) and previewed an updated PTV ordinance effective April 1.
Board members asked about drone operation and certification; the chief said a Part 107 license expands allowable operations and that the department will staff certified operators.
Speakers quoted or referenced: Chief of Police; Macy Williams; Corporal Hardy; Emily Hall.
