The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved spending just over $100,000 to beef up the police department’s motorcycle unit.
The vote at the March 5 regular meeting was for the purchase of four Harley-Davidson FLHTP motorcycles in the amount of $97,314.20, along with a 36-month maintenance plan in the amount of $9,980 from the Federal Seized Funds account. The vehicles will be purchased from Killer Creek Harley Davidson.
A county staff report highlighted the versatility of the motorcycle unit in its functions for the police department. In addition to having a very professional look, the officers have “highly maneuverable and high-acceleration response capabilities” that make them excellent tools for traffic law enforcement.
Since an officer on a motorcycle can pass and access areas of congested traffic to respond to collisions faster than patrol cars, that officer can assist and aid the public to get a roadway cleared faster, according to the report.
The motorcycle unit is also called upon regularly to participate in motorcades for dignitaries who travel through the county while also leading in funeral processions. Its officers are invited regularly to schools and special events, such as festivals or local parades, for the vehicles to be displayed for children and guests “who are always fascinated by motorcycles,” according to staff.
In other law enforcement news, the board approved the renewal of a lease for the Henry County Police Department’s Ellenwood /Fairview precinct in the Paradise Shoppes of Ellenwood complex at Fairview and East Atlanta roads, where it has been located since 2011. A new contract will take effect July 1 and last 24 months.
Monthly rent and other fees total $1,347.49 under the new agreement, which specifies an annual rent equal to $8 per square foot, up from $7 in the previous lease. The deal is with SITE Centers Corporation, formerly DDR Corp.
The board took action to accept several federal grants through the state’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. These are all for victim advocacy services under the District Attorney’s office.
New federal funding of $61,277 for an early notification advocate requires a local match of $15,319 (in-kind volunteer hours at $15 per hour). The position will coordinate efforts to serve crime victims from first appearance to when a case is bound over to Superior Court, and is also responsible for informing victims of their rights and working with law enforcement. The same amount is allocated for a contract counselor to provide individual and group counseling for victims and witnesses.
Another grant adds up to $48,419 in federal funds with a $12,105 match for a victim compensation advocate, who will assist the CJCC in distributing information on crime victims compensation programs to the community, focusing on local counseling and mental health facilities, domestic violence and sexual assault service providers, and meeting statistical reporting requirements.
The commissioners also approved a grant application for the DUI/Drug Court for the 2020 fiscal year. The exact amount of grant funding, which will required a 10 percent cash match, will be determined by the Georgia General Assembly during the current legislative session. The court received $50,124 for 2019.
