Sheriff's challenger releases safety plan for downtown Augusta

Lina Portman2 weeks ago

1 2 minutes read

Following a multi-block shooting in downtown Augusta, Richmond County sheriff's challenger Eugene “Gino Rock” Brantley announced his plan Monday to improve security in downtown Augusta. city.

The plan includes meetings with business owners, an increased police presence and real-time communication via a texting app.

Here's a closer look at the plan, according to a press release issued Monday by Brantley's campaign.

Meeting with business leaders on request

Brantley said he would commit to meeting with business owners upon request to address their concerns directly. He added they will be invited to be part of a downtown crime reduction team, which will meet quarterly to ensure ongoing communication and collaboration.

Accessible and approachable leadership

Brantley said he is committed to being an accessible and approachable leader, ensuring business owners and residents feel comfortable expressing their concerns and suggestions.

Increased police presence

To combat the increase in property crimes and violent offenses downtown, Brantley said he would ensure a strong and visible police presence.

Uniformed officers will be stationed on every block during peak events, spread out on both sides of the street.

Improved alarm response

Brantley said there is currently a lot of frustration with recent changes to alarm response policy.

“Under my leadership, we will quickly revise this policy to ensure officers respond to all alarm calls, restoring confidence in our commitment to protecting your properties,” he wrote in the statement.

Collaboration with other agencies

To maximize resources and maintain a strong police presence without overburdening local taxpayers, Brantley said he will collaborate with various agencies such as Richmond County 911, Pardons & Parole, Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

Advanced Incident Command System (ICS) Plans

For major events like First Friday, Border Bash, concerts and Fourth of July fireworks, Brantley said he would implement comprehensive ICS plans.

The plans will include detailed information, potential problems, primary and contingency plans, personnel assignments, and coordination with fire and EMS departments.

The sheriff's plans: Mayor's emails reveal sheriff's plan to combat violent crime in downtown Augusta

Invitation to pre-meetings

Business owners will be invited to attend meetings prior to major events.

During the meetings, Brantley said the Sheriff's Office will review ICS plans, ensuring transparency and collaboration in their efforts to maintain security.

This would not only affect downtown, but the entire county during major events, including events at the Civic Center.

Real-time communication via text/app

Brantley said the agency will develop a texting system/app to provide real-time updates to businesses downtown and countywide when incidents occur.

The system would allow companies to react quickly and take the necessary precautions, thus strengthening collective safety.

“For example, if a delivery driver is robbed, the information will be quickly sent by SMS to all businesses.[es] into our system that manages deliveries, helping to prevent an additional incident and receive possible information that would help us achieve a quick resolution,” Brantley said.

Proactive problem solving

Deputies will report problems to a Sheriff's Office “problem resolution” unit, similar to a 311 system.

This would include repeat offenders, homeless issues, non-functional street lights, broken street signs, sidewalk hazards and high-litter areas, according to Brantley.

“Addressing these issues quickly will improve overall safety and quality of life,” he said.

Meeting with business leaders on request

Accessible and approachable leadership

Increased police presence

Improved alarm response

Collaboration with other agencies

Advanced Incident Command System (ICS) Plans

Invitation to pre-meetings

Real-time communication via text/app

Proactive problem solving

Lina Portman

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