At its July 22 meeting, the Tucker-Northlake Community Improvement District (CID) Board of Directors unanimously approved an additional $100,000 to continue funding off-duty police patrols in commercial areas. This marks the second year in a row the CID has committed $100,000 specifically for increased patrols, underscoring its ongoing effort to improve safety and visibility in one of DeKalb County’s busiest economic centers.
Since 2018, the CID has partnered with the DeKalb County Police Department to provide supplemental off-duty patrols in key commercial corridors. In 2024, responding to business owners’ concerns about burglaries, stolen vehicles, and vandalism, the Board more than doubled its patrol funding. This year’s renewal maintains that elevated presence.
Off-duty patrols fill an important gap by addressing quality-of-life issues that might otherwise receive limited attention due to county-wide call volume. On-duty officers must prioritize high-risk emergencies such as violent crimes, burglaries in progress, serious traffic collisions, and other active threats countywide. Off-duty officers can focus on lower-priority, but still meaningful concerns without leaving the area.
“The intent of the off-duty officers is to aid in prevention rather than apprehension. The cost to deter crime is much less than the cost to respond after a crime has taken place,” said Executive Director Matthew Lee. “The feedback from our stakeholders is clear. They value a higher visible police presence. Those intending to commit crime think twice when law enforcement is visible.”
This additional local funding complements a partnership with DeKalb County District 1 Commissioner Robert Patrick, who secured a separate $100,000 allocation to expand the program into nearby residential and commercial areas including areas outside the CID boundaries. In November 2024, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Commissioner Patrick’s request to direct District 1 funds to the Tucker-Northlake CID for this purpose — a move that was planned well in advance of the current summer season and reflects long-term coordination between the County and the CID.
The CID’s ongoing patrol investment is part of a broader strategy to support law enforcement, improve quality of life, and keep the area a secure and attractive destination for businesses, customers, and residents.