Residents urge Johns Creek to consider dedicated police facility as department faces leadership departures

At public comment the council heard calls for the city to consider investing in a separate police facility, and several speakers raised concern about the loss of senior public safety leaders. Dietra Pickens suggested the city evaluate a six-acre site across the street from City Hall for a freestanding police facility with secure parking and in-house capabilities.

"I would like to suggest that maybe possibly we take a look at the 6 acre lot that is across the street, which would be a great location for a police department," Pickens said, urging a facility that would provide a secure space for officers and victims. Pickens also noted the department lacks in-house dispatch and a freestanding jail and that pay and benefits are factors in retention.

Separately, a council member and the city manager noted the city will lose its fire chief to retirement in January and that the deputy police chief has accepted a position in Woodstock. Commenters urged the city to plan respectful transitions and to address staffing and compensation as retention priorities. The transcript records the acknowledgments but does not show formal council direction or a vote on facility planning or staffing changes.