Chief Meadows Leads Effort to Provide More Affordable Housing for SFPD Officers

Traffic Fatalities, Down Targeted Enforcement Efforts Up

New Technology Helps Protect Vulnerable Residents

Building Incentives for South Fulton Police Officers

Police Chief Keith Meadows and the South Fulton Police Department are working on making life better for those who put on the badge to serve and protect residents of South Fulton.

As part of building upon the department’s progressive momentum, Meadows is using holistic strategies to attract and retain top talent to his department.

 

It’s why he chose to partner with Progress Residential to introduce the Blue Key Initiative, a housing program designed to provide officers with affordable housing within city limits. 

Through this initiative, participating officers receive a 35% rent concession, making it easier for them to live in the communities they serve.

 

Meadows emphasized the importance of this partnership:

"This initiative is a game-changer for our department. It not only helps our officers find quality, affordable housing, but it also strengthens the connection between law enforcement and the community.

 

When officers live where they serve, trust is built, safety improves, and recruitment opportunities expand. We’re proud to be part of this effort."

South Fulton Police Officer, Conswala Willis, was hired in May of 2023 and this month she moved into her new Blue Key home near Campbellton Road. 
She says it’s improved her daily life substantially and her morale at work.

 

“This housing relief showed up right on time for me and my family and it really helps us financially. As police officers, we don’t get a lot of financial breaks when it comes to the cost of living as compared to military personnel. So this is something that has been life-changing and sincerely appreciated,” Officer Willis said.

By residing in these neighborhoods, officers can foster stronger relationships with residents, enhance community engagement, and take proactive safety measures such as attending HOA meetings, noting infrastructure concerns, and supporting local security efforts.

 

Officer Willis said residents who live near her new Blue Key home appreciate her being in the neighborhood.

“It makes my neighbors feel more comfortable, and I live near an area that the police department also likes to have a police presence. I’m glad that I am able to lead and respond to any incidents if my community needs me to,” Officer Willis said.

 

The Blue Key Initiative is a strategic step in enhancing public safety, attracting new recruits, and supporting officers, making South Fulton a more connected and thriving city. 

 

If you or someone you know is interested in applying to become a South Fulton Police Officer you can learn more by visiting this link.

MAKING OUR ROADS SAFER

South Fulton Sees Major Drop in Traffic Fatalities Thanks to Targeted Enforcement

Traffic safety remains a top priority for the South Fulton Police Department, and new data shows that enforcement efforts are making a real impact. 

 

From January 1, 2024 to February 9, 2024, there were six traffic fatalities in South Fulton. During the same period this year, that number has dropped to just two—a significant reduction pointing to more lives saved on our roads.

 

Lt. Harper, head of the Traffic Division, is proud of the progress:

 

"This year, we’re encouraged by the advancements we’ve made in reducing traffic fatalities—from six last year to just two so far this year. That’s four more lives saved. We’ve expanded our enforcement coverage, with units patrolling from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. in all identified hotspot areas. Our traffic team starts at 5 a.m., ensuring continuous coverage from early morning to late night. These efforts are making a real difference in keeping South Fulton’s roads safer for everyone."

 

This progress is no accident. 

After hearing community concerns about dangerous driving in key areas, Chief Keith Meadows prioritized increased traffic enforcement and safety initiatives across the city. 

 

One of the most impactful measures has been securing funding for the Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) program, a state grant that provides resources for dedicated traffic officers to focus on speeding, DUIs, and reckless driving hotspots.

 

Over the course of the last few months the department has rolled out the Slow Your Roll campaign, using extra manpower from the HEAT program to increase the number of highway safety details.

 

As part of the Slow Your Roll campaign, the department has been able to conduct three additional highway traffic safety details utilizing target enforcement in identified hotspot areas. 

 

The Department’s efforts to combat issues along Old National Highway during one of the details caught the attention CBS News Atlanta News First.

Chief Meadows, emphasized the importance of these efforts:

"We know that reckless driving puts lives at risk, and our team has been working tirelessly to prevent tragedies on the road. The HEAT program has allowed us to deploy more officers where they’re needed most, and the results speak for themselves. Our goal is simple—keep our roads safe and ensure every driver gets home to their family."

The South Fulton Police Department remains committed to reducing traffic fatalities, enforcing safer roadways, and listening to community concerns to make South Fulton a safer place to live and drive.

PRIORITIZING VULNERABLE RESIDENTS

Project Lifesaver: A Lifeline for Families

in South Fulton

The South Fulton Police Department is making strides in protecting some of the community’s most vulnerable residents through Project Lifesaver—a cutting-edge initiative designed to quickly locate individuals with cognitive conditions such as autism, Alzheimer’s, and dementia who may wander off and become lost.

 

Through this program, participants wear a small radio-frequency tracking device that allows trained officers to locate them within minutes if they go missing, significantly reducing search times and increasing the likelihood of a safe return home.

Community Impact & Growing Support

Thanks to a proactive outreach and marketing campaign, Project Lifesaver has gained widespread attention, including coverage from FOX5 Atlanta and support from city council members who are sharing the program with constituents. 

More than 40 families across South Fulton signed up after the story hit the news and social media. These families recognized the life-changing benefits of this program and the peace of mind that it can bring home.

For Deven Lee, a South Fulton mother whose son Kyle has nonverbal autism, Project Lifesaver is a game-changer:

“This program gives me peace of mind. As a parent, you always have that fear of ‘what if?’

 

Now, I know that if Kyle ever wanders off, officers will have the tools to find him quickly and bring him home safely.”

South Fulton Police Chief Keith Meadows saw this initiative as an essential proactive step in improving public safety:

 

“Our officers are dedicated to protecting all members of our community, and Project Lifesaver ensures we are equipped to do just that. This program not only improves response times but also trains officers to better understand and interact with individuals who have cognitive conditions. It’s an extra layer of protection that can make all the difference.”

How to Register:

The South Fulton Police Department aims to register residents who are the most vulnerable as soon as possible especially if they have already been reported missing in the past.

 

South Fulton Families interested can either pick up the transmitter from the Police Precinct or an officer can drop it off to your residence.

 

You must be a South Fulton resident to qualify.

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