Fairburn Police Chief Frederick

Brown's idea of police work is something more than writing tickets

and driving patrol cars. His goals for serving the community of Fairburn

in 2004 extend to the needs of his officer's advanced training and

the proper treatment of the people and the situations they encounter.

High on his list is acquiring

state certification for the department. While certification helps to keep

the city's insurance costs down, it also helps hold the department

accountable on everything from paperwork to firearm qualifications. Brown

has had prior experience in attaining certification.

The police station itself is

undergoing a makeover to more efficiently handle its workload and to provide

the basic tools needed in the growing community. A 300 percent increase

in the dispatch area is being built where the jail cells were previously

located. In addition, a new detective facility is planned for the current

courtroom area. A more efficient interrogation room with audio/video recording

capabilities and personalized space for criminal investigators will contribute

to the smooth running of the department.

Plans to implement a program

that address domestic violence follow-ups is being closely monitored by

Brown. His dedication to becoming involved can be seen in the placement

of a motivation officer who will check on a family's status, setting

up guidelines and signed agreements in hopes of turning back the cycle

of violence inherent in such situations.

A program involving the National

Alliance for the Mentally Ill, which will give peace officers training

on how to deal with situations involving mentally ill offenders is also

being given some attention. Part of the process will guide officers in

methods of incarceration which protects all involved.

Expanding specialized training

for career-minded officers is another priority. Brown believes an officer

should focus his training on what he wants to try to accomplish.

"Say he wants to become

a detective. I think that's a good goal but the only way he is going

to get there is to take classes that point him in that direction."

The purchase of hand-held PDAs,

updated computer equipment, firearms, patrol vehicles and a speed warning

device found to help reduce speeders were listed as equipment needed to

bring the Fairburn Police Department into the current century.

Officers now work a 12-hour

shift, but the long shift allows them a weekend here and there to unwind.

The growth of the city over the past year and the year ahead means a larger

patrol division will be needed. Brown would like to increase response

time from five minutes to just two minutes.

A reserve officer program of

post certified police officers to help out with special events in town

has been brought before the City Council for their consideration this

week.

The jury is still out on which

ideas will receive highest priority. Making his department accessible

to its citizens is a job Brown takes very seriously.

"I think it's important

that the people know what is going on."