DKPD to launch community service aides for nonviolent service calls

DeKalb County Police Department announced June 29 that it will debut its first-ever community service aides (CSAs) on July 5; CSAs are non-sworn civilian personnel who will respond to identified lower priority, nonviolent calls for service, the department stated.

The average amount of non-violent calls for the last 12 months has been 2,331 calls per month, according to the department.

According to a press release, CSAs will be visibly different from sworn officers and can be identified by their neon uniforms and specialized vehicles, which identify them as Community Service Aides; they will be equipped with an ASP baton and OC spray.

“CSAs underwent seven weeks of intense training at our academy. Any resources available to police officers are also available to CSAs,” the department stated in an emailed “commonly asked questions” sheet.

The department stated that the classification was created to allow the department to provide more personalized service to the community while allowing police officers to focus on higher priority and emergency calls that require sworn personnel. 

The press release states CSAs will be dispatched by E911 and will respond to such lower priority calls as stolen vehicle, vandalism, shoplifting, property damage, animal complaint, street hazard and to assist motorists.

A 2020 job posting for the positions added that essential functions include:

• Provides public safety support for low-risk situations within the county.
• Operates a county-provided vehicle to respond to low-risk calls; and assists motorists and citizens as needed.
• Enforces ordinances related to parking and abandoned vehicles.
• Directs traffic at street crossings for parades, demonstrations and other events as needed; and assists with crowd control at large events.
• Provides effective and efficient customer service; and promotes and maintains community relations.
• Reports high-risk situations requiring a sworn officer or emergency assistance to supervising officer or police dispatch.
• Prepares reports related to traffic accidents, hit-and-run cases, fraud, criminal mischief, adult missing persons, and abandoned vehicles.
• Appears in court to present evidence and testify as required.

“DeKalb County Police Chief Mirtha Ramos plans to implement the new position countywide while continuing to find innovative ways to address the concerns of the community and provide the upmost service to DeKalb residents and businesses,” the release stated.

The department currently has two CSAs and plan to add more once effectiveness is evaluated.