A newly released feasibility study conducted by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP) concludes that the City of Tucker could establish its own police department, providing significantly faster response times and more community-focused service at a lower cost than the current arrangement with DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD).
Commissioned by the Tucker-Northlake Community Improvement District (TNCID) in January, with additional funding from the Tucker Summit CID, Tucker Civic Association, Tucker Business Association, Northlake Condominiums, Smoke Rise Civic Association, and Tucker Main Street Alliance, the report analyzed two years of 911 dispatch data, interviewed business and civic leaders, and compared Tucker’s current policing structure with those of neighboring cities.
Key Findings
- 911 Dispatch Delays: The study found that DeKalb 911 dispatch times for Tucker were 4.9 times longer than Brookhaven and 4.3 times longer than Dunwoody, based on analysis of approximately 65,000 calls for service.
- Response Times: DKPD response to high-priority calls in Tucker was 3.2 times longer than Brookhaven and 1.5 times longer than Dunwoody. Southeast Tucker, particularly the Juliette Road area, experienced the longest delays.
- Staffing Model: The study recommends 53 sworn officers and 10 civilian staff in the first year in a dedicated Tucker Police Department, with 12-hour shifts to maximize coverage and continuity.
- Cost Comparison: Tucker property owners paid $15.9 million in taxes in 2024 for county police services — more than Brookhaven ($15.0 million) and Dunwoody ($14.3 million) spend on their own police departments, despite both of those cities having larger populations. A city-run department in Tucker could be launched with an annual cost of approximately $10.7 million, including salaries, vehicles, technology and equipment.
- Economic Impact: Local businesses reported crime-related challenges that affect revenue, customer experience and community perception. Some businesses indicated that these challenges have led to lost customers and reduced opportunity.
What is the Impact on DeKalb County?
The study shows DeKalb is not financially dependent on Tucker for police funding. Creating a Tucker Police Department would reduce the county police budget by approximately 10%, while shrinking its service area by 9.7% and the population served by 7%.
Next Steps
The feasibility study does not recommend a course of action, but provides Tucker residents and leaders with the basic data needed to weigh options. Under the City Charter, Tucker has the authority to form a police department, which requires City Council approval and a citywide referendum.
“This is the right data to have an informed discussion about public safety. We respect the diligent work of the DeKalb County Police Department and particularly the officers who respond to back-to-back calls in difficult situations every day.” said Matthew Lee, Executive Director of the Tucker-Northlake CID. “We want to work with DeKalb County on the best outcome for Tucker and county residents. We are taking a proactive and inclusive approach to find solutions, and we appreciate all that DeKalb County is doing simultaneously to improve service countywide.”
The full report and other resources are available at ProtectTucker.org.