Dekalb Office history

DeKalb county Georgia was established in 1822 as Georgia’s 56th county and is situated on a natural ridge that runs between Atlanta and Athens, the Continental Divide.

Decatur was incorporated as the county seat on December 10, 1823.

Historical materials date back to the hand written minutes of the first session of the County Commissioners in 1837. “Roots” -A historical perspective of the Office of Sheriff –by Sheriff Roger Scott

DeKalb County Clerk of the Probate Court, Decatur, county marriages, and probate records since 1842.

The City of Atlanta, in its infancy and until 1853 when Fulton County was created, was entirely in DeKalb County.

In July of 1864, DeKalb had its first taste of the war; much of the battle of Atlanta actually took place in DeKalb County around the Courthouse and along DeKalb Avenue.

On July 22nd, 1885 the DeKalb Police Department was officially established.

In 1894, a city marshal and a night watchman were all that was needed to keep law and order in DeKalb.

In 1896, this form of government through its creating act was repealed.

However, in 1912, the General Assembly repealed this form of government and created a third Board with the same powers and duties as the second Board with the membership of the Board being determined by the county grand jury.

In 1916 an ambulance was purchased, which also doubled as a patrol wagon.

Arrived in Decatur, graduated from high school in 1923, entered Mercer Law School.

In 1924 a Gamewell police alarm system was installed with 12 boxes being strategically placed about the city where officers could contact the police station.

Worked as a boy in 1928, there were 12 grocery stores around Decatur’s square, 9 soda fountains, 2 movie theaters.

Moved to Decatur; Went to Emory Medial School, Doctor Sam Guy, Doctor Homer Blincoe, graduated 1935, residency at Grady; Tom Jackson, surveyor, post office department, Mrs.

In 1947 the department grew to a workforce of 12 – 1 Chief of Police, 1 Lieutenant, 1 Captain, and 9 officers.

In 1949 DeKalb service clubs bought 2 way radios for the department.

The General Assembly, in 1953, passed an act that would have created a new Board of Commissioners, including a chairman elected by the voters and four board members elected by the grand jury.

In 1954 members of the DeKalb Police Department were still under the direction of the Mayor.

In 1961 the DeKalb Police Department grew to 20 men.

On April 28, 1968 the new municipal building was dedicated and is located at 200 South 4th Street, which still holds many city offices and the police department today.

In 1971 the Police Department employed 35 sworn personnel and 10 civilians.

In 1978 police communications started handling emergency calls for fire and ambulance services.

In 1980 a Kodak Microimage terminal, camera and processor was purchased.

Gray embezzlement and her 34 aliases; Barbara Mackel Case: kidnapping; Ramada Inn kidnapping; Other cases before Miranda rights, taped testimony used; Brooks shooting; 1982 statewide political race; Accolades for DeKalb County

Nancy Creek and Prospect churches, Franklin Garrett speaks, citizens remember and brief history on the area, May 1983

Efforts were made in 1988 to form the Task Force by pursuing the Illinois State Police and requesting their assistance to organize the Task Force.

By 1989, the department consisted of 1 Chief, 3 Lieutenants, 5 sergeants, 34 Patrol Officers, and 10 civilians.

In 1990 an Emergency Telephone Systems Board was formed to oversee the implementation of the new E911 system.

State Convention, Sacred Harp, part II, March 1995

There are two programs on the 1996 visit of the Olympic Torch to downtown Decatur, the 100th anniversary of the Tucker Baptist Church and the integration of Decatur High School.

In 1997 Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) were installed in all marked and unmarked squad cars.

In 1998 discussions and training were held to establish a DeKalb County Major Case Squad.

By May 27, 1999, the first meeting was held.

During 2000, the department remained at 54 sworn personnel.

In August 2001, City Council approved another full time Telecommunicator giving us 9.

In 2002, the department increased it sworn personnel to 57 and the Communication Division to 9 full-time telecommunicators.

In August 2003 LiveScan and Digital Booking were installed.

City Council authorized the additional 3 hires and in January 2005 those 3 officers were hired-bringing the total of sworn officers to 60.

In 2006 a 6th sergeant position was created for the patrol division to serve as Administrative Assistant to the Patrol Lieutenant.

In 2009 the undercover officer returned to the department due to budget constraints and shortage of officers.

In 2011 talks again took place to build a new police facility.

2012.3.332 Chamblee 75th Anniversary: mayors, councilmen, Mayor Dub Brown and the city logo.

Construction began for the new police department in September with the goal of a move in date in the Fall of 2013.