The Community Outreach Division plays a vital role in fostering meaningful connections between the Acworth Police Department and the community it serves. Through a wide range of outreach initiatives, the division supports the city administration and the Chief of Police in their commitment to transparency, open communication, and strong partnerships with residents, businesses, and educators.
Sergeant Eric Mistretta serves as the Community Affairs and Public Information Officer. Since beginning his law enforcement career in 2007, he has served as a jailer, patrol officer, school resource officer, and D.A.R.E. Instructor. He has also worked in specialized roles such as Field Training Officer and member of the V.I.P.E.R. Team. In addition to his current responsibilities, he leads as the primary mentor for the Acworth Public Safety Cadets, Unit 4440.
Ava Ferguson serves as the Community Outreach Assistant for the Acworth Police Department, supporting the Community Outreach Division’s mission to build strong, meaningful relationships between the department and the community it serves. She graduated summa cum laude from Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in communications, concentrating in public relations.
In her role, Ava assists with outreach initiatives that strengthen communication, transparency, and trust between the Acworth Police Department, city administration, and the community. The Community Outreach Division plays a vital role in supporting the Chief of Police’s commitment to open dialogue and positive partnerships with residents and businesses throughout the City of Acworth.
For more information or to connect with the division, please email Sergeant Eric Mistretta or call 770-974-1232.
Low Speed Vehicles
| Speed | City Permit | GA Tag | Allowed on Trails | Driver | Seatbelts | Roads Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21-25 MPH | Yes | Yes | Yes | Valid Driver’s License | Yes | 35 MPH or less |
LSVs are low speed vehicles that are able to reach speeds between 21-25 mph. LSVs are allowed on designated city streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less and designated paved city trails. To operate an LSV you are required to be at least 16 years old, have a valid driver’s license, a Georgia tag, city permit, and proof of insurance. LSVs must be registered with the Cobb County Tag Office. Seatbelts are required for all passengers. Child safety seats are not required.
Gas Powered Personal Transport Vehicles
| Speed | City Permit | GA Tag | Allowed on Trails | Driver | Seatbelts | Roads Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 MPH or less | Yes | Yes *Not required per city ordinance | Yes | Valid Driver’s License | No | 25 MPH or less |
Personal transport vehicles or PTVs have a top speed of 20 mph or less. They are allowed to operate on designated city roads with a speed of 25 mph or less and designated paved city trails. To operate a PTV you must be at least 16 years old, have a valid driver’s license, city permit, and proof of insurance. Our city ordinances do not require PTVs to have a GA tag, however they MUST have a city permit. Seatbelts and child safety seats are not required for P TVs, however they must still have hip restraints.
Electric Personal Transport Vehicles
| Speed | City Permit | GA Tag | Allowed on Trails | Driver | Seatbelts | Roads Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 MPH or less | Yes | No | Yes | Valid Driver’s License | No | 25 MPH or less |
Personal transport vehicles or PTVs have a top speed of 20 mph or less. They are allowed to operate on designated city roads with a speed of 25 mph or less and designated paved city trails. To operate an electric PTV you must be at least 16 years old, have a valid driver’s license, city permit and proof of insurance. Seatbelts and child safety seats are not required for PTVs, however they must still have hip restraints.
Multipurpose Off-Highway Vehicles
| Speed | City Permit | GA Tag | Allowed on Trails | Driver | Seatbelts | Roads Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26-65 MPH | Yes | Yes | No | Valid Driver’s License | Yes | County Roads City Permitted Roads |
Multipurpose Off-Highway Vehicles (MPOHVs) can operate at speeds between 26-65 mph. MPOHVs are allowed to operate on county roads, excluding state routes, and city roads within the permit zone. MPOHVs are not permitted on any city trails. To operate a MPOHV, you are required to be at least 16 years old, have a valid driver’s license, a Georgia tag, city permit, and proof of insurance. MPOHVs must be registered through the Cobb County Tag Office. Seatbelts and child safety seats are required.
Registration Form
PTV Pamphlet
PTV Map
PTV Inspection Video
Introducing Flock Safety Community.
Flock Safety Community is a partnership between the citizens and business of Acworth and the Acworth Police Department, working together to enhance safety and security across our community.
Through Flock Safety Community, residents and business owners within the City of Acworth can voluntarily register their security camera systems. This collaboration makes it easier for the Acworth Police Department to request relevant video footage from participating community members during criminal investigations in the surrounding area.
Your privacy and ownership remain fully protected. Access to and control of all registered cameras stays solely with you, the owner. By registering, you’re simply letting us know, “I have a camera-how can I help?” This proactive step allows residents, businesses, and law enforcement to collaborate more efficiently in keeping Acworth safe.
If you live or own a business in the City of Acworth and would like to participate in Flock Safety Community, please use the link below to register.
The Citizens Police Academy is a 12-week educational program designed to provide community members with an inside look at the daily operations of the Acworth Police Department. Participants will gain valuable insight into the department’s procedures, policies, responsibilities, and the tools and laws that guide officers in their decision-making. This program fosters mutual understanding—citizens learn about the role of law enforcement, while officers benefit from community perspectives.
Program Schedule
Sessions run from February through May. Classes are held weekly on Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Acworth Police Department. Each session features in-depth presentations from various departmental units, along with guest speakers from partner agencies.
Why Participate?
This program highlights our strong commitment to building trust and transparency with the community we serve.
Eligibility
Residents and individuals who work within the City of Acworth are eligible to apply. Non-residents may participate if sponsored by a City business owner, a Citizens Police Academy graduate, or an Acworth Police Officer. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by the final week of January.
New legislation (O.C.G.A. § 48-7-29.25) allows Georgia taxpayers to claim tax credit for supporting local public safety efforts by contributing to qualified law enforcement foundations.
This program is currently open for enrollment and will take effect for the tax year.
You can register for the program now by clicking here and completing the additional steps listed on this page in time for your prior year tax filing.
Tax Credit Limits – LESS Crime Act allows the following tax credits of annual state income tax liability:
- Single individual or head of household: $5,000
- Married couple filing jointly: $10,000
- Limited liability company (LLC), or shareholder of a Subchapter (S) corporation or partner in a partnership: $10,000
- Corporations: up to 75% of their state income tax liability
LESS Crime Act Five-Step Process
1. Click here to register for pre-approval with the Georgia Tax Center. For step-by-step pre-approval registration instructions click here.
2. Within 30 days the Georgia Department of Revenue will send you a letter approving your registration.
3. You will have 60 days from approval to make your payment to the Acworth Police Community Foundation. If paying with a check, you must include a copy of your approval letter and state that the payment is for the LESS Crime Act Tax Credit. Please send checks and documentation to the Acworth Police Foundation at: 4440 Acworth Industrial Dr NE, Acworth, GA 30101
4. After receiving your payment, APCF will send donors form IT-QLED-LEF1.
5. Taxpayers will submit form IT-QLED-TP2 with their prior year’s tax filings to receive their credit.
Please contact Jaime Mullinax with any questions: