Georgia’s Cities sits down with Waycross Police Department (WPD) Chief Tommy Cox to discuss strategies for emergency preparedness, safety, youth engagement, and integrating technology in public safety. With years of experience and a deep commitment to the city of Waycross, Chief Cox offers valuable insights into how municipalities can collaborate to create safer, resilient cities.
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| Tommy Cox |
GC: How does Waycross Police Department (WPD) approach emergency preparedness and response in Waycross, particularly given the unique challenges of being a smaller city?
CC: Emergency preparedness always starts with creating a plan. This plan should address four key questions: (1) What type of event are we preparing for? (2) What resources do we currently have? (3) What additional resources do we need? and (4) What lessons have been learned from similar events in the past? Answering these questions correctly requires collaboration between federal, state, local, and private sector partners, the most crucial aspect of emergency preparedness. This collaboration helps identify the strengths and weaknesses of all involved partners and reminds each other of lessons learned from past events.
For instance, when preparing for Hurricane Debby, municipal leadership gathered all departments to discuss available resources, necessary resources, and lessons learned. It was quickly realized that street flooding had occurred in certain areas during previous hurricanes, based on input from partners. As a result, the public works department cleared drainage canals and storm drains in these locations, preventing road closures despite receiving almost 11 inches of rain in a short period. In return, police activities could be turned toward other emergency services.
GC: What strategies does WPD use to promote safety and prevention among residents, and how do you tailor these efforts to your city’s specific needs?
CC: We prioritize education by frequently visiting organizations, schools, and businesses to teach various subjects related to promoting safety and prevention. The requesting party usually chooses the topics we cover. Our larger approach to safety and prevention is based on data and citizens’ complaints. To reach the maximum number of people, we heavily utilize social media. Through social media channels, we can access thousands of individuals we wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach.
Regarding social media, we initially used a simple and generic “Don’t do this, don’t do that” style, which did not resonate well with our community and received a negative response; we adjusted our approach and began creating short PSA videos that included footage of Waycross, incorporating reenactments to illustrate specific safety concerns. For instance, one of our PSA videos illustrated safe practices for drivers and pedestrians at crosswalks. We set up a controlled scene in our downtown district featuring a citizen crosswalk while a vehicle failed to yield to them. As a side note, we always use two different officers in each PSA to introduce officers to the community.
GC: Youth engagement is crucial for the future of public safety. How does WPD involve young people in public safety education in your community?
CC: We have implemented several methods to engage our youth in public safety education. In 2021, we launched the WPD Junior Police Academy, catering to youth ages 8 to 13. This week-long program spans 40 hours and covers various aspects of law enforcement and important topics such as cyberbullying and gang prevention. Last June, the academy had as many as 85 students in attendance. Building on the academy’s success, we established the WPD Auxiliary Police Officer program, targeting youth ages 14 to 20.
The primary objective was to create a pool of job applicants within our community. Each WPD Junior Auxiliary Officer must participate in monthly training at the police department. We also involve them in assisting officers during parades and football games, as well as offering them the opportunity to accompany officers during specific periods. They receive comprehensive exposure to all aspects of law enforcement, and upon reaching 21years of age, they become eligible to apply for a position as a police officer. A high school teacher’s feedback confirmed that we were on the right track, as one of the WPD Junior Auxiliary Officers told her, “They are just like us.” Education is beneficial, but when combined with a personal connection, it becomes invaluable. I am pleased to report that we have promoted two Junior Auxiliary Officers to the position of police officer.
GC: How does WPD integrate technology to enhance public safety in Waycross?
CC: All the hard work and efforts by law enforcement investigating violent crimes is fruitless if it does not end with the arrest and successful prosecution of the offender since we know that most of our violent offenders are repeat offenders. The only way to prevent their future acts is to obtain a successful conviction in court. We have received grants, particularly important for smaller agencies, and invested in software that ties us to agencies, which in many cases, can help us connect the dots concerning gang members and their activities.
GC: Collaboration is key in public safety. How does WPD work with other local agencies, organizations, or neighboring cities to ensure a coordinated and effective public safety response?
CC: For us to collaborate effectively, communication is crucial. As someone from a rural area, I believe we must maintain open communication with all partners, including government and private entities, especially regarding public safety concerns. We often come together with other law enforcement agencies to train on specific topics. Sometimes, we also provide training to private entities on the same topics. We have conducted active shooter scenario training for multiple law enforcement agencies, citizens, and organizations. Recently, our training paid off when an active shooter incident occurred in our town. The perpetrator entered a local business and began shooting, promoting a response from multiple law enforcement agencies. Upon realizing law enforcement’s arrival, the perpetrator took his own life. The incident was captured on security cameras and police body cameras. After reviewing the footage, we saw that all officers and deputies responded according to their training, which validated and showed the need for collaborative training.
In our discussion with Chief Tommy Cox, it’s clear that building safer communities require a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach. Waycross’ police department focuses on crime prevention, emergency preparedness, and community engagement, all while leveraging modern technology to enhance public safety. By fostering collaboration across departments and engaging residents -especially youth- Chief Cox is driving efforts that strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community. The department’s proactive initiatives and commitment to continuous improvement serve as a model for cities across Georgia.