What is the KSP and how does it work?The Kirkwood Security Patrol (KSP) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2008 by a small group of concerned Kirkwood residents who wanted to be proactive about fighting crime in our community. KSP intends to provide an additional police presence in Kirkwood, helping to make our community safer and to improve the quality of life for everyone. Membership benefits include access to an off-duty City of Atlanta police officer who serves as KSP’s Patrol Officer and is authorized to make arrests and respond to emergency calls. Members may also request the KSP Officer to patrol specific areas or homes. The more members we have, the more patrol hours we can fund.Is the KSP part of the Kirkwood Neighbors' Organization (KNO)?The KSP is a separate entity from the Kirkwood Neighbors' Organization (KNO), but the two groups work collaboratively to make our community safer for all residents.Who runs the KSP?The KSP is a community-based organization run by Kirkwood volunteers elected annually to the Board. Volunteers are always welcome.How much are dues?Dues are paid on an annual basis. Membership for the 2013 fiscal year (through 1/31/14) is $200 for single family homes and $100 for condos/townhomes/apartments. KSP's fiscal year begins on February 1 and ends on January 31. Discounts are available to senior citizens ages 65 and older (i.e., $100 versus $200). Payment plans are also available for single family homes and for senior citizens.What does my membership pay for?Approximately 96% of the KSP's budget goes directly to the Detectives' salary and approximately 4% goes towards marketing, advertising, corporate/tax filing fees, post office box rental and office administration expenses.What are some of the benefits to members?Membership benefits include access to off-duty, City of Atlanta Detectives who serve as KSP’s Patrol Officers and who are authorized to make arrests and respond to emergency calls. Members may also request KSP Detectives to patrol specific areas or homes. The more members we have, the more patrol hours we can fund. The KSP can also provide guidance to established and newly formed Kirkwood Neighborhood Watch groups as well as offer tips and resources for improving anyone’s home security.Do KSP Patrol Officers only patrol KSP member homes while on duty?No, Detectives patrol all of Kirkwood and its homes while on duty for KSP. Everyone in the neighborhood benefits from the KSP's efforts. Detectives drive around hot-spots, respond to calls from KSP members, conduct surveillance, and patrol certain areas as requested by members.Why does KSP use unmarked patrol cars?One of the basic principles of law enforcement is that you have a better chance of catching criminals breaking into a house or a car when you’re in an unmarked car (due to criminals not realizing they are being watched). Criminals generally look out for police cars. With this approach, KSP has a better chance of making arrests and getting criminals off the streets, helping to make Kirkwood safer for everyone.My family is going out of town on vacation. Can KSP keep an eye on things for me?Yes. It is also a good idea to fill out (in person or via telephone) an Atlanta Police Department directed patrol request at the Zone 6 office in downtown Kirkwood a few weeks ahead of time as well. KSP patrol requests should be emailed to KSP at least three (3) days in advance (please see your KSP New Member Welcome Letter for email address). Please note that a Detective may not respond directly to your email (limited administrative hours while on duty), but rest assured the request has been received and will be added to the active patrol list.How do I sign-up?Dues can be paid several ways:
How often does the KSP meet?The KSP Board meets monthly. A general meeting open to all KSP members and the public is held quarterly. Please see the "Upcoming Events" section of this site for more details.Click here for roles and responsibilities of each Board Member. |