Beaudreau Calls for Stronger Cooperation between Police, Residents, and County Commission

Gwinnett County Commission Candidate proposes increasing resources available to law enforcement in order to combat gangs, crime.

Lawrenceville, GA (PRWEB) May 12, 2004 --- Gwinnett Third District Commission Candidate Mike Beaudreau said today that, if elected, he will work with the countys law enforcement agencies and area residents to make Gwinnett a safer place to live. He will work with police to reduce the growing presence of gangs and criminal activity in the county by increasing the resources available to police officers, exploring how the county commission can discourage criminal activity, and encouraging citizen participation in the fight against crime.

"Over the last few years, the crime rate and gang activity has increased in Gwinnett County," Beaudreau said. "While some have acted as if the growing presence of gangs is not a problem, the recent home invasions in the Lawrenceville area demonstrate why this type of activity must be controlled."

Beaudreau believes that fighting crime must be a cooperative activity between the police, the county commission, and county residents. He would have the commission strengthen and enforce the countys zoning codes in order to prevent criminals from gaining a foothold in residential neighborhoods. The commission must also ensure that police officers have the proper training and equipment to be effective in combating new types of gang and criminal activity.

Beaudreau also advocates increasing police staffing, and noted that while progress is being made on the police pension issue, much work needs to be done in order to make sure that salaries and benefits are in line with other metro counties. "For example," the candidate said, "a starting salary of $28,520 for a first-year police officer is not commensurate. Fulton County pays their first year officers $31,393. Furthermore, many of our officers work two or even three jobs to sufficiently support their families. This is not acceptable."

The candidate believes citizens can be a big help by observing activity in their neighborhoods, reporting suspicious activities, and cooperating with police officers in fighting crime. He pointed out that while small acts of vandalism don't seem like much, they quickly add up to become a bigger problem when criminals sense that police enforcement is lacking. He thinks that the commission can promote and coordinate this type of cooperative activity between police and county residents.

Beaudreau noted, "The county commission can take a leadership role in controlling criminal and gang activity by making it a priority issue. If elected, I plan to work closely with law enforcement, including working a police shift on a quarterly basis so I can see for myself the issues officers face. By proactively working with police and citizen groups, particularly in areas of the county where crime is most prevalent, we can reduce the crime rate and keep up the high quality of life Gwinnett is known for."

About Mike Beaudreau
Mike Beaudreau is a National Accounts Manager for Ricoh Corporation, and has been a Gwinnett County resident for the past five years. He is past president of his homeowner's association, and served as second vice chairman of the Gwinnett Republican party. He graduated from Clemson University in 1997, and has completed additional studies at Georgetown University. He and his wife Tegwen live in the Grayson/Lawrenceville area of the county.

For further information on the Beaudreau for Commissioner campaign, visit www.mike04.com .

Contact Information:
Mike Beaudreau
770-995-6674
http://www.mike04.com