PIOs deem property crimes major concern

The Cobb County Police Department’s Public Information Unit held a media roundtable today at police headquarters in Marietta, Ga. that was attended by area journalists, police public information officers (PIOs) from several jurisdictions, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) representatives.

At center stage was getting breaking news information to media in a timely manner so the public can be informed on safety and security issues.

Chief Cox has been police chief for less than a year.

When asked how the department was doing adopting community policing recommendations made in a 2017 report by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Cobb Police Chief Tim Cox said, “I think we’re doing real good. We’ve moved down that report rather well. Are we perfect? No... but I think we’ve made great strides, and we’ll continue to work on some of those issues.”

The recommendations said Cobb needed improvements in staffing, leadership, training, and employment diversity. Also, it identified the need to develop trust, transparency, and mutual respect between law enforcement and the community.

Glenn Daniel of the sheriff's office said he spends a lot of time on mugshot requests from media.

A GBI official, Nelly Miles, was in town and spoke at the Roundtable.

PIOs from multiple area police agencies were at Roundtable to answer questions.

Property crimes are more of a problem in our area and crimes against persons are rarities, according to officers who advised citizens to protect themselves in their homes. Property crimes include burglary, larceny, theft, arson, shoplifting and vandalism, according to Wikipedia.

Acworth and other jurisdictions are implementing Camera Connections whereby the police can log into home security systems and obtain surveillance video. Some believe that this will lead to the state having more access to private information. Others think that police having access to home surveillance systems is too intrusive, and it muddies "evidence" waters. 

PIO Delk said the best way for media to get info on breaking news is to use cellphone or social media portals.

When asked about the relationship between media and police being less about breaking news and ambulance chasing but more about investigation and analysis, PIO Sgt. Wayne Delk said the media’s main priority should be informing the public from timely information released by departments, filing public information requests or doing warrant searches.

Delk said he had no updated information on two officers accused of sexual improprieties last year.

Area PIOs were friendly and in a good mood hours after a reported officer involved shooting while a warrant was being served which happened earlier in the day when a suspected murderer was killed during a SWAT standoff.