NE Atlanta News

The Duluth Police Department in Georgia has launched a Public Safety Ambassador program, the first of its kind in Gwinnett County. The program aims to enhance community safety by assigning non-emergency tasks to civilian ambassadors, allowing sworn officers to focus on crucial law enforcement responsibilities. The Duluth Police Department is actively seeking community members interested in public safety and community service to apply for the program.

The initiative, approved by the Duluth City Council, involves hiring two full-time civilian ambassadors who will handle non-emergency tasks. This will enable sworn officers to concentrate on essential law enforcement responsibilities. The program draws inspiration from the successful Marietta Police Department's Ambassador program, which has proven to improve public safety and community engagement.

In a Facebook post by the Duluth Police Department, Police Chief Jacquelyn Carruth expressed excitement about the Public Safety Ambassador program, stating that it optimizes resources and strengthens the commitment to public safety. By delegating certain tasks to dedicated non-sworn personnel, the department can allocate sworn officers' time and expertise where it matters most, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

The program has received the approval of the Duluth City Council, and the department is actively recruiting for two full-time Public Safety Ambassadors. These civilian, non-sworn employees will assist in handling tasks that are more efficiently suited for civilians than sworn officers. They will receive training to respond to various non-emergency, low-risk incidents, such as managing stalled or abandoned vehicles, road hazards, traffic direction, private property accidents, lost and found property, and assisting in missing person searches.

The department highlighted the success of similar programs in other police departments. The Marietta Police Department's Ambassador program, which began in 2017 with 8 ambassadors, has expanded to 14 ambassadors. This demonstrates the effectiveness of civilian ambassadors in handling non-emergency tasks and freeing up sworn officers for law enforcement duties.

In July 2022, the Duluth Police Department announced the appointment of Chief Jacquelyn Carruth as the new Chief of Police. Chief Carruth is a 26-year veteran of the department and the first female Chief in its 100-year history. Only 3% of police chiefs in the state are female. Chief Carruth aims to uphold high policing standards, leverage technology for crime-fighting, and foster positive community relationships.

The Public Safety Ambassador program in Duluth is expected to streamline operations, improve resource efficiency, and enhance community safety. By delegating non-emergency tasks to civilian ambassadors, the Duluth Police Department can ensure that sworn officers can prioritize their expertise in crucial law enforcement responsibilities.