DeKalb County

DeKalb County officials host town hall to address safety concerns

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Hundreds of DeKalb County residents packed a school auditorium on Monday night to discuss safety concerns with county officials.

DeKalb County District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson is hosting the Public Safety Town Hall Meeting to allow residents to discuss various public safety issues and needs in their communities.

The meeting is being held at Bob Mathis Elementary School in Decatur.

TRENDING STORIES:

Residents who spoke at the town hall said murders, shootings and assaults have them living in fear.

While many argued DeKalb County police could be doing more to prevent crime, many more defended officers saying the spike in crimes is a direct reflection of the current shortage of officers.

“They don’t want to leave, they leave because of the money. They’re not getting paid the proper salary,” said resident Charles Peagler.

People also voiced concerns about response times to scenes, sanitation and gang activity across the county.

County leaders assured concerned residents that they will be working to do all they can to ease their fears.