Acclaimed cop heads Milton’s new outreach program

Courtesy Neighbor Newspapers

The only officer in Georgia to have been awarded the Department of Justice’s National Medal of Valor is now heading Milton Police Department’s new Community Outreach Program.

Local groups seeking education about issues related to law enforcement may get in touch with Officer Andrew Phillips, an 11-year police veteran. Phillips said homeowners’ associations, parent teacher organizations, professional groups, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, and others are welcome to contact him to request a police presence or training for matters important to them.

The program is designed to connect Milton residents to their police professionals in a variety of ways.

For instance, if a homeowners’ association would like to start a Neighborhood Watch Program, Phillips would meet with representatives and introduce them to Milton Police and Citizens Together (MPACT). He would then assign the neighborhood an officer who would be their point of contact and provide Neighborhood Watch signage.

Each officer will have only a few neighborhoods under his or her purview, said Phillips. “Those officers can then be a resource for the residents, able to provide relevant training and general information to suit the specific needs of that community.”

Phillips said in April he will launch a 10-week Citizens Police Academy that will meet one night a week. Also in the works are rape awareness and defense classes, training in and partnerships with the Georgia Child Identification Program and child safety seat demonstrations.

Phillips began his law enforcement career in 1999 with the Marietta Police Department and has served in the Uniform Patrol Division, on SWAT teams and in narcotics and drug-related investigations, including undercover work.

During his career, Phillips has garnered some 15 separate commendations for his police work, including having Aug. 10, 2005 named Officer Andrew Phillips Day in Marietta in honor of the National Medal of Valor given to him by Vice President Dick Cheney and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

Last year, he was named 2009 Fulton County District Attorney’s Office Officer of the Year from Milton and was awarded a Medal of Valor from the Milton Police Department for his work saving two men from a burning vehicle.

Citizens can reach Phillips at (678) 242-2505 or by e-mailing andrew.phillips@cityofmiltonga.us. An online form for residents to schedule a meeting with Phillips is on the city’s Web site, www.cityofmiltonga.us.