The Role of the Morningside Security Patrol (MSP)
Residents of Morningside Lenox Park benefit from enhanced safety provided by the Morningside Security Patrol (MSP), a dedicated team of off-duty and retired Atlanta Police Department (APD) officers. The MSP is funded through MLPA Security Plus memberships and supplements both APD services and private home security systems.
Overview of MSP Services
The MSP operates approximately 70-75 hours per week, with additional shifts scheduled as necessary—such as in response to increased criminal activity like car break-ins or burglaries. Officers patrol in uniform and marked vehicles, leveraging their APD training and full arrest powers to intervene in suspicious activities or crimes in progress. In many cases, MSP officers act as first responders to 911 calls during their shifts, thanks to their access to police radios. They also frequently assist on-duty APD officers in the neighborhood.
Core Responsibilities
The MSP focuses on three primary responsibilities to maintain safety across the neighborhood:
- Vacation House Checks for Security Plus Members
- Neighborhood Patrols and QR Code Scanning
- Directed Patrols for Targeted Incidents
1. Vacation House Checks
With over 3,500 homes and 60+ streets in Morningside, vacation house checks are a critical service for Security Plus members. During holiday weeks, MSP officers conduct 70–90 checks daily, providing thorough inspections rather than simple drive-bys. Officers:
- Walk to the back of properties and inspect for suspicious activity.
- Remove packages from porches and place them out of sight.
- Relocate trash cans to more secure areas.
- Notify homeowners of anything unusual.
- Send daily emails detailing the status of their visits.
A notable example of MSP diligence occurred when an officer questioned a homeowner who returned early from vacation without prior notification, ensuring the property’s security was not compromised.
2. Neighborhood Patrols and QR Code Scanning
To ensure consistent coverage, MSP officers utilize a QR code system during their patrols. With nearly 90 QR codes distributed across the neighborhood, officers are required to scan these codes in all four quadrants, ensuring a visible presence on nearly every street. All codes are scanned at least every 48 hours, with many scanned multiple times. This system has increased accountability and reassured residents of active patrols in their community.
3. Directed Patrols
Directed patrols focus on areas experiencing specific security concerns, such as recent car break-ins or other incidents. During these shifts, officers monitor designated locations for up to 20 minutes, watching for suspicious activity. Regularly patrolled areas include Cheshire Bridge Road and the Highland corridor. Recently, directed patrols have addressed issues like late-night car stunts in the Haygood Church parking lot.
Additional Community Support
MSP officers also play a pivotal role in addressing other neighborhood concerns, including:
- Managing traffic and security during events such as the Centennial Gala.
- Investigating and, if necessary, towing abandoned vehicles.
- Addressing parking violations, alarm activations, and door-to-door solicitations.
- Engaging with individuals panhandling or loitering at intersections.
- Visiting camps set up by homeless individuals in areas like the Morningside Nature Preserve and under local bridges. Officers provide information about available services, enforce ordinances, and coordinate with the City for cleanup efforts when needed.
The MSP’s proactive approach ensures a safer, more secure environment for all residents of Morningside Lenox Park. Through community collaboration and dedicated service, they deliver a high standard of safety and peace of mind.
