Georgia Department of Public Safety

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. Donations to the Georgia Public Safety Training Center were approved. A resolution was approved to authorize the surplus and transfer of custody of real property in Calhoun, Gordon County, Georgia, to the Department of Public Safety. Additionally, resolutions were approved to authorize negotiations for a new lease for the Georgia State Patrol Aviation Hangar in Albany, Georgia, and to seek the transfer of custody of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Region 1 Investigative Office. The board also approved a resolution to authorize negotiations with Coffee County, Georgia, for the transfer of Georgia State Patrol Post 36 -- Douglas from Coffee County to the State of Georgia. There was a discussion regarding the Department of Public Safety's pursuit policy, and the board voted to show support for the Command Staff's leadership of the policy.

The Board of Public Safety meeting included discussions regarding donations, such as fuel and hotel rooms for the Augusta Air Show, ELSAG License Plate Reader Systems, Vizio LED Smart TVs, and a cash donation to the Georgia Fire Investigators Association. The DPS 2024 Pursuit Liability Summary was presented and accepted by the Board. An update was provided on the termination of an employee at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center and the handling of media requests and policy violations.

The meeting included director reports from the Georgia Department of Public Safety and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Topics discussed included personnel appointments, trooper school updates, NASCAR race series support, legislative session activities, specialty unit operations, fleet updates, construction projects, and the GBI's investigations, child exploitation unit operations, cold case reviews, and crime lab updates. Donations were approved, and a resolution was passed to authorize the establishment of Georgia State Patrol Post 83.

The meeting included welcoming a new board member, Sheriff Neal Jump, and recognizing Lt. Col. Joshua Lamb's appointment as the Director of GEMA/Homeland Security. Reports were given on trooper schools, holiday fatality statistics, assistance during a snowstorm, security measures at the Mercedes Benz stadium, and increased visitors at the Capitol. Updates were provided on aviation, K-9 unit, CIU, SWAT, and Dive team activities. Fleet updates included completed recalls on Dodge Durango's, potential purchase of 2023 Dodge Chargers, and testing of Ford Explorers as patrol units. The board also discussed new stretch uniforms, communications, and facilities projects. The GBI reported on investigations, child exploitation unit activities, officer-involved shootings, crime lab scientist positions, and crime lab statistics. GCIC reported on CJIS transactions and off-line search requests. Updates were given on cold cases and new medical examiners. The GPSTC reported on basic mandate expansion, fire academy, police academy, and construction projects. The board approved donations from Alma Police Department, Treutlen County Sheriff's Office, City of Dahlonega, and Carrollton Police Department. The names for the Georgia Public Safety Line of Duty Deaths Memorial were also approved.

The Board of Public Safety meeting included reports on various activities and initiatives. Discussions covered tributes to Corporal Chad LeCroy, who was killed in the line of duty, and support for his family. Updates were provided on the Police Unity Tour, biker awareness safety grants, and assistance provided during a tragic event in Athens-Clarke County. The board also discussed partnerships with GOHS for Spanish public service announcements, Customer Service Awards, and Crisis Intervention Training. Additional topics included the goal for troopers to become certified Child Safety Technicians, changes in Headquarters access, and the 75th anniversary album. The GBI reported on budget matters and Operation Innocent Justice, while the GPSTC discussed the renaming of Beaver Dam Extension and the continuation of pilot police academies.