Introduction

The passage of House Resolution 781, honoring Dunwoody Police Chief William "Billy" Grogan as "a person of unquestioned integrity" raises significant local and national concerns. This accolade starkly contrasts the testimonies and experiences of numerous whistleblowers from within the Dunwoody Police Department, who have highlighted and spoken out against misconduct under Chief Grogan’s leadership amounting to 30+ media articles in less than three years.

In order to display the widespread, documented issues with Chief Billy Grogan's tenure, we ask that readers and signers simply conduct the following Google Search. In doing so, they can begin to find 30+ news articles documenting police misconduct, sexual harassment, corruption and whistleblower retaliation:
https://www.google.com/search?q=dunwoody+police+corruption

The Issue

Whistleblowers Overlooked and Community Trust at Risk

• Ignoring Allegations: This resolution overlooks substantial allegations of misconduct and corruption against Chief Grogan, effectively ignoring the voices of those who risked everything to bring these issues to light.
• Undermining Whistleblower Contributions: By honoring Dunwoody Police Chief Grogan without acknowledging the controversy surrounding his tenure, the resolution disregards the sacrifices of police whistleblowers and highlights a disturbing theme of erasing the history of misconduct around the country. This action not only diminishes the efforts of whistleblowers in Dunwoody but also sends a problematic message nationwide, potentially discouraging other officers from coming forward with crucial disclosures in the future.
• Eroding Public Trust: The honor given to Chief Grogan in the face of serious allegations could erode public trust in the police force and the justice system. With over thirty media articles on the corruption and misconduct in his department in three years, the public can see through a vain attempt to erase history.
• Contradicting Accountability Efforts: Honoring an individual amidst such controversies as someone of "unquestionable integrity" contradicts ongoing efforts to promote transparency and accountability in law enforcement across the country.
• Dismissing Community Concerns: The resolution appears to dismiss the concerns and feelings of the Dunwoody community and others who expect integrity and ethical conduct from their police force. As local citizens have come forward over recent years asking for his resignation.

 

Our Concerns

• Contradictory Praise: The language of House Resolution 781, praising Chief Billy Grogan’s integrity and dedication, directly contradicts the documented allegations and experiences of those who have courageously come forward to report ethical breaches and abuses of power. With over thirty news articles detailing misconduct in his department in three years, it is clear that Chief Grogan is not "a person of unquestioned integrity, humility, and dedication to the sound principles of law enforcement;"
• National Implications: This resolution not only impacts the Dunwoody community but sets a concerning precedent nationwide. It risks sending a disheartening message to officers everywhere – that the voices and sacrifices of whistleblowers can be easily overlooked in the face of ceremonial honors.

Our Call to Action

• Demand for Reevaluation: We, the undersigned, urge the Georgia House of Representatives to reevaluate the implications of House Resolution 781. The decision to honor Chief Billy Grogan, and his documented failures at the Dunwoody Police Department must be reconsidered in light of the broader context of his tenure and the actions of the whistleblowers who chose to defy him.
• Acknowledgment of Public Concern: We, the undersigned, urge the Georgia House of Representatives, or any duly elected official, to publicly acknowledge the controversy surrounding House Resolution 781. The decision to honor Chief Grogan, in the face of widespread publicly documented controversy, calls for a transparent and open discussion about the standards we uphold in honoring public officials. This acknowledgment is crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring that the actions of our legislative bodies reflect the values and concerns of the communities they serve. A formal recognition of these concerns will not only validate the efforts of those who have spoken out against misconduct but also reinforce the importance of ethical leadership and accountability in our law enforcement institutions.

 

Key Demands

1. Reconsider the Honor: The honor given to Chief Grogan should be reevaluated, taking into full account the allegations and concerns raised by whistleblowers. At the very least, the honor should be followed by an acknowledgement of public concern.
2. Dialogue on Accountability: We call for an open and honest dialogue on police accountability and the critical role of whistleblowers in maintaining the integrity of law enforcement.
3. Recognition of Law Enforcement Whistleblowers: It’s essential, at the very least, to acknowledge and honor the sacrifices and contributions of whistleblowers who bring issues of misconduct to light, often at great personal cost.

Join the Movement

Your signature is more than just a name; it's a stand for justice, integrity, and recognition of the courageous men and women in law enforcement who risk everything for the values we hold dear.

 

Instructions for Signing the Petition

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