The initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of the department while bolstering public safety in Kennesaw.
The program features trained, unarmed ambassadors who assist the police in carrying out non-dangerous, low-risk tasks. By freeing up full-time officers from these duties, the program allows them to focus on preventing and addressing crime, managing public safety emergencies and tackling critical traffic issues.
Key responsibilities of PSAs include responding to non-emergency police service calls, directing traffic at accident scenes or during special events, engaging in community problem-solving to address local issues, assisting with city court services, transporting prisoners, supporting the booking process, providing fingerprinting services, managing equipment for the department’s quartermaster and offering first aid and CPR assistance when needed.
While PSAs are unarmed and do not have the authority to make arrests, detain suspects or use force — except in self-defense — their role will free up essential police resources, allowing officers to focus on more critical duties, according to the city. The PSAs have undergone comprehensive training to ensure they are prepared to perform their duties effectively and safely.
“We are excited to introduce the Public Safety Ambassador Program to the Kennesaw community,” said Chief of Police Bill Westenberger. “It enables our officers to dedicate more time to urgent law enforcement needs while still offering valuable support to the community. The PSAs will play a key role in the Kennesaw Police Department and we are eager to see the positive impact they will have.”
The Marietta Police Department began a similar program in 2017 with eight ambassadors. According to Officer Chuck McPhilamy, spokesman for the Marietta Police Department, the department’s ambassador staff has since grown to 14.
“The concept is … to hire one more police officer to work the road, you actually have to hire three and a half, because it’s a 24-hour cycle,” McPhilamy said. “Hiring an ambassador, you’re not impacting the level of sworn officers on the road.”
The Kennesaw Police Department announced that the program is now fully staffed with three PSAs and one supervisor. The new PSA vehicles have also been completed and are ready to serve.
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