Snellville Police Off Duty Vehicle Expenditures - Who Pays?

In the past, I'd see Snellville Police officers helping with traffic on Sunday mornings in front of First Baptist Church on Main Street and wondered, "What's the deal? Why are they getting preferential treatment?!?"  It's embarrassing to admit this now, but I kind of had the impression that that church "owned" the town.

I didn't know that the officers were working an off-duty job. You might also see officers working security for movie theaters. Once I knew it was off-duty work and the churches and businesses paid for it, I let my concerns rest.  But someone recently asked me about it  through My Snellville Blog's Twitter account and wondered, "OK, but who pays for the fuel and the vehicle use during the off-duty job?"  Hmm, I thought. Scratching my chin thoughtfully, I decided to find out to get the full answer about how that all works.

I decided to go to the man who would know, Chief Roy Whitehead of the Snellville Police Department. Here is his answer:

"The Snellville Police Department has an 8-mile limit for taking vehicles home with a very few exceptions for people who are on emergency call back assigned to specific units. Most jurisdictions have a much more liberal policy than ours. Only thirty-three of our sworn officers take vehicles home; the rest live outside the geographic limit and are prohibited from taking them home. In addition, we require officers who drive vehicles home, drive them to court, training or an off-duty job, must go in service and be subject to call. They respond as primary or backup units for calls for service when in this status. They make traffic stops as appropriate and make arrests, issue citations or warnings when and where warranted. All of this information is compiled, analyzed and has resulted in a positive cash flow for the city.

However, officers working off-duty or coming to or from work serve as a force multiplier increasing our visibility and resources substantially. Studies show that agencies with high visibility and who actively enforce traffic laws have lower crime rates. This is evidenced by our continued drop in crime to a level as low as that in 2003. Off-duty officers have been the first to respond to robberies in progress, burglaries as well as other crimes and have made arrests that we may well not have made otherwise. Officers going home have made traffic stops for violations resulting in the apprehension of numerous fugitives. It is also impossible to measure the savings generated by on-duty officers not having to drive to or handle some calls for service. These intangible benefits, along with the inability to measure crimes prevented by their presence, are all sufficient to justify the use of these vehicles even if their use did not result in a positive cash flow to the city. However, the expenses are significantly less than the revenue generated by utilizing the vehicles in this manner. There are other reasons in addition to the ones enumerated above.

We continue to monitor vehicle use and gasoline prices. Should prices continue to rise or we get to a point where we are no longer in a positive cash flow situation, we will look at adjusting the hourly rate or implementing some other mechanism to ensure that this program continues to benefit our citizens as well as our officers."

Sweetheart's Dinner at First Baptist Church

WHAT: Valentine's Dinner (but held a few days early!)
WHEN: February 11, 2011 - 6:30 p.m.
Call 770-978-7000 to reserve your tickets.
COST: $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Tickets are transferable but non refundable.
WHERE: First Baptist Church, Snellville Ga.

Featuring Janet Paschal, an inspirational gospel vocalist and performer.  Janet has traveled for years with Bill Gaither's Homecoming Tour, and is often hailed as one of the most soulfully versatile voices in Christian Music.

For more information and directions to the church, see First Baptist Church's website, www.fbcsnell.org or call 770-978-7000.

Jazz concert enjoyed by all ages

I had a wonderful night tonight at a free concert presented by the Metro Jazz Club to support various Music Ministry causes of Snellville's First Baptist Church (FBS), including a mission trip to North Korea planned for 2012.  Some 250 church members and visitors enjoyed Big Band and jazz standards like Woodchopper's Ball, In the Mood, String of Pearls and One O'Clock Jump.

About half of the Metro Jazz Club's participants are members of First Baptist Church in Snellville. Performing tonight were: Maxine Cummins (vocals), Nada Long (piano), Michael Rhine (guitar), Gary Dalton (tenor sax), Don Presley (trombone), David Moore (trombone), Fonnie Harlan (trumpet), John Groeninger (trumpet), Terry Creedon (drums), Dave Goodson (bass), Wayne Davis (sax, clarinet), Jenene Craig (sax), Honey Greene (baritone sax), Andrew Rosenthal (trombone), Bruce Vrieland (trombone), Joe Galasso (trumpet, Mike Ackerman (trumpet).

For more information about the Metro Jazz Club, visit www.metrojazzclub.com.

Conquering Deadly Emotions Seminar

First  Baptist Church Snellville Women's Ministries Presents

WHAT: 
Conquering Deadly Emotions, with speaker: Ann MacLeod, Licensed Christian Counselor with A New Way Ministries, Inc.

Topics include: The Prescription for Conquering Deadly Emotions, Making the Choice for Health, Replacing Distortional Thinking with Truth, The Cleansing Power of Forgiveness, The Therapeutic Value of Joy,Peace Can Flow Like a River of Health, Restoring Vitality: The Love Connection

WHEN: February 5, 2011, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: First Baptist Church, Snellville Ga., Room: A100

COST: $30

Light snacks provided

Purchase tickets at www.anewway.us or through Bonnie Brown at the reception desk. Make checks payable to A New Way Ministries. Tickets will be available at the door.

For more information: Contact Ann MacLeod at 678-908-9328 or e-mail: macleod1093@comcast.net

Ultimate dessert contest among events planned at Snellville First Baptist

Snellville First Baptist Church will have an evening of holiday fun on December 12.

The festivities will begin at 6 p.m. in the dining room with a performance by the Preschool Choirs. Following the performances, enjoy a showing of  A Charlie Brown Christmas.

You're invited to bring bring your most creative Christmas desserts for the "Ultimate" dessert contest.  Desserts will be judged on visual creativity and flavor, and then will be available for all to enjoy.

For more information and directions to the church, see First Baptist Church's website, www.fbcsnell.org.

Children and Family Activities at Snellville 1st Baptist

Snellville First Baptist offers Summer Fun Programming each Wednesday night at 6:30. "We have tons of fun with movie and game nights. Some of our snacks include banana splits, snow cones and fizz floats!"

The Children's department invites everyone to join them for a fun family night at a Gwinnett Braves game, July 30th. Call 770-978-5717 for more information and tickets.

AWANA Bible Club is a very special group for ages 2 years through 5th grade.  AWANA blends Bible teaching, scripture memorization and lots of fun. Registration kickoff is Wednesday, August 11 at 6:30.

Upward Sports is a Christ-centered sports ministry that promotes character and self-esteem in every child. The Fall Soccer season will begin soon.  Contact Stephen Price at 770-978-5757 for registration information.

Mark your calendar for October 31st! Our Fall Family Festival includes inflatables, games, food, Trunk or Treat and hay rides.

Children's Worship and Bible Study takes place every Sunday in the Family and Children's Center. "We begin at 9:30 am. Come a little early to play games, do a craft and have fellowship time!"

Bible study classes each Sunday morning to help everyone in your family draw closer to the Lord and dynamic worship services at 9:30 and 11:00 AM. "We also offer a well staffed nursery/preschool department for your little ones.  Here at First Baptist we strive to minister to the needs of your entire family."

If you would like more informatioon about any of the ministries at First Baptist, please visit our website at www.fbcsnell.org or call the church office at 770-978-7000.

Snellville development activity

This information comes from Snellville's monthly report. The bold text, colors, and links in this are my doing, to make it easier and more interesting to read, and hey it's fun for me too.

Snellville Kidney Dialysis is under construction. Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.

The strip center development located adjacent to Hamilton Financial is nearing completion. Furthermore, the buffer abutting North Road is nearing planting. Update: A rear parking lot addition is being added to the Snell Property which includes the planting on the berm and buffer. Permit was issued on January 12, 2009. The developer is nearing completion of the rear parking lot but progress has been hindered by the weather. UPDATE - Application has been approved for a zoning modification. Awaiting submission of required landscaped plans.

Received plans for Eastside Village Project has received approval from all authorities. Preconstruction meeting and permit issuance are pending. UPDATE: This projects development permit is nearing expiration. No pre-construction meeting set as of yet.

St. Oliver’s Catholic Church has remitted plans for a parking lot addition and some minor modifications to the existing site. Plans have been approved. Waiting to schedule pre-con and submittal of final documents. Pre-con has been scheduled for August 20, 2009. The Land Disturbance Permit will be issued once final documents and fees are collected.

Carlin Vision has submitted site plans for review for a stand-alone building in the Boulevards Development. Land Disturbance and Building Permits have been issued and are actively being constructed. A Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.

The Boulevards Development had ceased activity due to financial issues. Furthermore the FDIC has taken control of this project. The site is being stabilized and brought in to erosion control compliance.

First Baptist Church has been permitted for a soccer field addition and is actively involved in site development activities. UPDATE: The soccer fields are complete with only the ROW improvements pending.

Received building permit application for complete remodel of The Sam’s Club Store. The remodel is estimated to cost nearly 2.5 million dollars to complete. Approved and awaiting permit issuance.

Received plans for major rebuild of former Pike’s Nursery.

Received plans for exterior and interior remodeling at the formerly Four Seasons Automotive Service located at 2039 Scenic Highway. These plans have been approved and awaiting permit issuance.

Received and approved plans for Panera Bread in the Presidential Markets Shopping Center. Construction complete and a Certificate of occupancy was issued.

The Department has received application for a mattress store for the former site of Hi-Fi Buy location along Hwy. 124.

The Department has received application for a furniture store for the former site of Circuit City location along Hwy. 124.

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Man Claims He Robbed Church to Pay for Oil Change

Oh, in that case, it's okay! We know how expensive oil changes are these days, and we all want to make sure your Mercedes is well maintained.... (!!!)

Church Cash Box Stolen By Loganville Man To Pay For Oil Change
WSBtv.com - Atlanta,GA,USA
SNELLVILLE, Ga. -- A Georgia man stunned churchgoers when he swiped their cashbox and made a mad dash for the door, police said. Eric Anthony Comrie, 20, ...

Arrest Made in Cash Box Theft from Snellville First Baptist

Police arrested Eric Comrie in the theft of the cash box containing several hundred dollars from Snellville First Baptist Church.

He was arrested late Wednesday night. Suspected accomplice Brianna Williams was also arrested.

Comrie is listed as having a Wrenwood Court, Loganville GA address.

Mission accomplished Snellville Police!

Cash Box Stolen from Snellville First Baptist

A man stole the cashbox from Snellville First Baptist Church last night. It was money from the Wednesday night supper that the church has before Wednesday night classes and events begin. A man grabbed the box and ran out a side door. Some church members followed him and saw that he had a woman accomplice in a car at the Citgo gas station at the corner of US78 and Skyland Drive/Wisteria. (In the video, Chief Whitehead says it's the corner of US78 and Langley...I'll need to look at a map - I don't know a Langley Drive except in Lawrenceville).

The man swapped cars with the woman, and the woman kept the cashbox containing around $900. The woman has been arrested, but police are still looking for the man. The man's name is Eric Comrie.

What is happening to Snellville? I'm starting to not recognize this city. Perps stealing from a church in Snellville that is full of people who would help them in time of need. It's like shooting yourself in the foot, isn't it?

Police Search for Man Who Stole Cashbox from Snellville Church
MyFox Atlanta - Atlanta,GA,USA
SNELLVILLE, Ga. (MyFOX Atlanta) – Police are searching for a man who
robbed a church in Snellville Wednesday night. The robbery happened while the church ...

Snellville News Updates

Church Lures Worshippers With Free Gas
WXIA-TV - Atlanta,GA,USA
SNELLVILLE, Ga. -- As you drive down the streets of metro Atlanta there are signs everywhere advertising gas prices well over $3 a gallon. ...

Officials announce more changes for JPD
Jackson Sun - Jackson,TN,USA
The reorganization is directed by a lengthy report by consultant Jim Brooks, a former Macon, Ga., police chief and Snellville, Ga., city manager. ...

Theft of booster funds leaves a wide wake
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
In recent days, a Grayson man was charged and a warrant for a Snellville woman was sought in separate cases of suspected theft from school-related programs. ...

Four charged in gang gun battle, police say
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By ANDRIA SIMMONS Four people face criminal charges after a gang feud erupted near Snellville between the Cold Hearted Killers and the Original Paper ...

Snellville councilman asks appeals court to hear defamation suit
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By BETH WARREN Snellville Councilman Robert Jenkins is asking the state appeals court to hear his complaint that his predecessor, Joe Anderson, ...

Snellville News Updates

Councilwoman calls for investigation to clear up confusion
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By BETH WARREN Snellville Councilwoman Kelly Kautz has publicly called for an investigation into an unauthorized $31000-plus check written without the city ...

Tax Commissioner Katherine Sherrington holds annual Leadership ...
Duluth Weekly - Duluth,GA,USA
The conference opened with a welcome from Snellville Mayor Jerry Oberholzer and featured keynote speaker state Rep. Brooks Coleman (District 97, Duluth), ...

Evangelist Brian Fossett to be VP nominee
Town Hall - Washington,DC,USA
Rusty Newman, pastor of First Baptist Church in Snellville, said he will nominate Fossett for the post during the SBC's June 10-11 meeting in Indianapolis. ...

New football coach at Carver
Winston-Salem Journal - Winston-Salem,NC,USA
... will replace Keith Wilkes, the head coach since 1992 who resigned last month to become the head coach at Shiloh High in Snellville, Ga. ...