The Brief Officials said Stone Mountain Park's police department will not be dismantled amid concerns raised at a board meeting on Monday. Police advocates said they remain concerned about the agency's future. Board members plan to review a detailed presentation on Aug. 17 that will help shape long-term decisions.



Stone Mountain Park leaders assured officers on Monday that the park's police force is not being dismantled amid ongoing concerns from police advocates.

What we know:

Board members for the Stone Mountain Memorial Association addressed the agency's future during a Monday morning meeting. CEO Bill Stephens said the association does not have plans to dismantle the police department.

Park leaders said they are working toward long-term sustainability after previous operating arrangements failed to deliver necessary financial results.

Multiple police officers stood in the back of the room as leaders confirmed they are not shutting down the department.

Leaders with the DeKalb Fraternal Order of Police wrote a letter to Gov. Brian Kemp last week expressing deep worry over the department's outlook.

What they're saying:

 For many months, we've been taking a careful look at every aspect of the association's operation. This has never been simply about reducing costs,  Stone Mountain Memorial Association CEO Bill Stephens said.

Hillis was in attendance for the board meeting and said he remains concerned.

 The chairman did state they are not doing away with the police department, but what he didn't tell us is what they are doing to the police department,  Hillis said.  They have indicated to some of the officers that they should start looking for employment. Obviously, some of them have, but they won't put that on paper. 

Hillis said his concerns do not stop there.

 Chief [David] Hill, who was speaking, giving his report, stated that they are now four officers short and that eight more looking to go,  Hillis said.  Well, I asked him, 'How many applications do you have to fill those slots?' He says none because there's a hiring freeze. 

 We're taking a thoughtful and deliberate 

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