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.
For more information or to connect with the division, please email Sergeant Eric Mistretta or call 770-974-1232.
We are thrilled to unveil the rebranding of Acworth Camera Connection to Connect Acworth powered by Fusus!
Connect Acworth is a partnership between the citizens and the Acworth Police Department, allowing us to work together as a community to enhance safety and security.
As part of Connect Acworth, residents within the city can voluntarily register their personal camera systems. This collaboration will make it easier to request video recording for our police department from participating members of Connect Acworth when investigating crimes in the area.
Rest assured, access and control of your cameras remain solely with you, the owner. By voluntarily registering your camera system, you’re proactively saying, “I have a camera, can I help?” This initiative enables us to come together and support our local law enforcement in keeping our community safe.
If you’re a City of Acworth resident and would like to sign up for Connect Acworth, please use the link below.
Residents, If you have signed up for Acworth Camera Connection in the past, please re-registered with this link as we’re transiting to Acworth Connect Powered by Fusus.
Golf Cart (Also known as PTV) means any motor vehicle:
- With a minimum of four wheels;
- Capable of a maximum level ground speed of less than 20 miles per hour;
- With a maximum gross vehicle weight, un-laded or empty weight, of 1,375 pounds; and
- Capable of transporting not more than eight persons.
The term does not include any mobility aids, including power wheelchairs and scooters, which can be used indoors and outdoors for the express purpose of enabling mobility for a person with a disability. The term also does not include any all-terrain vehicle, which means any motorized vehicles designed for off-road use which is equipped with three or more low pressure tires and with a seat to be straddled by the operator with handle-bars for steering control.
REMEMBER TO BE SAFE!
- DUI and Open Container laws are still enforced on PTVs.
- Reckless Driving running red lights, and other moving violations are enforced on PTVs.
- Proper lighting equipment including turn signals, brake lights, taillights, and headlights are required on PTVs.
- PTVs are not allowed on sidewalks.
- All occupants of PTVs must remain seated during operation.
- Proof of insurance should be maintained in the PTV at all times.
- A valid driver’s license is required by law to operate a PTV on public roads.
REGISTRATION
- All PTVs must be registered and receive a decal at the Acworth Police Department before they may be operated.
- The registration permit from the Acworth Police Department shall be maintained on the PTV at all times.
- Permit decal must remain on the vehicle at all times and be located on the left rear bumper. It shall remain visible at all times.
INSURANCE
Current proof of liability insurance coverage shall be maintained in the PTV when operated and available for inspection upon request. Minimum coverage 25-50-25.
OPERATION
Authorized operation area means a public roadway of the City of Acworth or city maintained paved trail system that:
- Has a posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less;
- Is not designated as part of either the State or federal highway system;
- Has not been designated as an unauthorized street by ordinance or resolution by the Acworth City Counsel.
Each PTV shall be maintained in working order and kept in good condition and shall be subject to inspection by city officials and/or the Acworth Police Department at reasonable times and intervals.
PTV RULES
- Must stay on authorized streets or trail systems: will have a posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less.
- Only those with a valid motor vehicle driver’s license and who are 16 years of age or older may drive a PTV.
- Drivers of PTVs shall abide by all traffic regulations applicable to vehicular traffic when using authorized streets.
- PTV shall not be operated to transport more than eight (8) persons.
- A PTV shall not be operated on the side – walks at any time.
- Every driver of a PTV shall be granted all the rights and shall be subject to all of the rules of the road and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle.
- All PTVs are entitled to the full use of a lane on the authorized streets and parking areas of the city and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any PTV of the full use of a lane.
- The driver of a PTV shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.
- The driver of a PTV operating on an authorized street may cross a state or federal route only at intersections that have been designated for such purposes by the Georgia Department of Transportation.
ADDITIONAL RULES
- The registration permit can be revoked if the owner/driver fails to abide by ordinances regarding PTVs, or abide by traffic laws in using a PTV.
- All laws and ordinances relative to alcohol and its use, including open container laws, which apply to traffic on the streets of the City shall also apply to drivers and occupants of PTVs.
- All drivers and passengers must re -main seated at all times during the operation of the PTV. No person may sit on the driver ’s lap during the operation of the PTV.
REQUIRED PTV EQUIPMENT
- Head lights
- Reflex reflectors
- Tail lights
- A horn
- A rear-view mirror
- Main power switch
- Reverse warning device functional at all times when the directional control is in the reverse position.
- Braking system including parking brake
- Safety warning labels
- Hip restraints and hand holds or a combination thereof
Registration Form
PTV Pamphlet
PTV Map
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 March through May. Classes are held weekly on Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 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: