From Patch Reports

Buckhead’s Zone 2, led by Commander Maj. Robert Browning, achieved the largest decrease in crime in the city for 2011, the APD said in an announcement.

Zone 2, the city's largest, posted a 13 percent reduction in crime over the year, the APD said.

“Given the challenges fighting crime that not only the Atlanta Police Department had last year, but departments across the nation, a 13 percent reduction in crime is a remarkable feat,” Police Chief George Turner said in the APD statement. “Maj. Browning and the men and women who work under his command are to be commended.”

Browning will receive the APD's “Crime Reduction Award" at the Atlanta Police Foundation’s annual “Crime is Toast” breakfast in the fall. Last year, Zone 6 received the award.

“This award is a testament to the men and women who come to work every day with only one thought on their minds, ‘How can we make Zone 2 a safer place to live, work and play?’” Browning said in a statement. “The Buckhead and North Atlanta areas are vital to our city’s cultural and economic success. I’m privileged and honored to serve there, and want to ensure it remains that way from a public safety standpoint.”

Zone 2 for the year showed:

• A 50 percent increase in traffic enforcement.

• A 14 percent decrease in property crimes.

• A 23 percent decrease in motor vehicle break-ins.

• An 8 percent decrease in auto thefts.
  
  

"These officers ... have truly embraced the spirit of community policing"

Zone 2 includes many north Atlanta neighborhoods, including North Buckhead, Peachtree Hills, Mount Paran-Northside and Riverside. The zone also covers Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, the central Buckhead business district and the Buckhead commercial and residential area along Howell Mill Road. Under a recent beat redesign that took effect in early 2012, the zone added the Cheshire Bridge and Morningside areas.

In the APD announcement, community leaders praised the crime decrease, emphasizing Browning's efforts to work with the community.

“This is great news for all of us who live and work in Zone 2,” said District 7 Councilman Howard Shook.“Congratulations and thanks to the men and women of APD, as well as the many neighborhood stakeholders, who contributed to this significant achievement.”

 “Major Browning and the men and women of Zone 2 should be commended for their efforts in reducing crime in Buckhead,” said District 8 City Councilmember Yolanda Adrean. “These officers have not only shown tremendous commitment to the public safety needs of Zone 2, they have also truly embraced the spirit of community policing. This reduction in crime shows what can be achieved when the doors of dialogue between residents and law enforcements officers are opened.”

District 9 Councilmember Felicia Moore, who represents part of Buckhead, said “The men and women of Zone 2 work hard to reduce crime in our neighborhoods. I truly appreciate their efforts to work personally with members of the community. This partnership has worked to produce this great recognition.”

Buckhead Coalition President and former Atlanta Mayor Sam Massell also cited Zone 2's community efforts.

"Zone 2's continued success in keeping crime stats low plays a major role in this community's quality of life,” Massell said. “It's a reward for the exemplary public/private partnership."

Browning has pledged to continue his efforts to reduce crime in Zone 2 in 2012 by continuing to step up traffic enforcement, directed patrols and investigations of suspicious people near parking lots, decks and businesses.