You might see McDonough Police Department Officer Destiny Ruiz chatting with a kid on the downtown Square or visiting with business owners at the Square Knot or Pandora. But she’s not wasting her time — she’s patrolling the downtown district as part of her normal duties.

“Since being assigned to the downtown district (in 2025), my primary goal is community engagement and being that outreach source to the community, bridging the gap between law enforcement and citizens,” noted Ruiz, who has been with the department since 2024 after being in the medical field since 2009. “I make contact with businesses and check in — they have my direct number. I try to keep that line of communication open and get to know them personally.”

The department created a downtown officer position in 2025 to handle normal traffic issues, disruptions and noise violations but also to have more of a presence in the downtown district day and night.

“It’s boots on the ground, just being a presence so people feel safe and having conversations with downtown merchants,” explained Police Chief Ken Noble of the position Ruiz shares with fellow Patrol Officer Jerry Pilgram.

Ruiz said that they deal with issues like panhandling and traffic violations but also have helped community members of all ages. She provides traffic tips to drivers and often hands out goodies like teddy bears, stickers and coloring books to kids around town.

“If kids see me, I want them to say hi,” said Ruiz, who lives in McDonough with her husband and two kids. “I’m a hugger — and if you need to cry or vent, I’m here for it all.”

Over Thanksgiving, she even helped bring a traditional meal of turkey, stuffing and sides to a resident with no family who frequents downtown.

“She was so appreciative, and to this day when I see her, she still says so because I treated her like a human,” recalled Ruiz, who has helped bring care packages to needy residents in Atlanta since moving to Georgia from Connecticut in 2023. “I show respect, and they weren’t always expecting it with what they may have heard about law enforcement, but it only takes one to show them.”

Pilgram, who grew up in Henry County, tries to keep a positive mindset. Working the night shift, he connects with many visitors from out of town and new residents searching for a nice dinner or event downtown.

“My goal is to be the biggest asset I can be so those under me can learn and grow the department,” explained Pilgram, who has been with the department since 2022.

In addition to the new downtown officers, the McDonough PD created a community outreach office in the last two years and plans to continue to expand the department as needed.

“Our department has grown to stay up with the times. The city has grown leaps and bounds,” said Noble, who has held his position since 2021 after being with the department since 1999. “There’s lots of opportunities here — I feel confident in our agency to provide a service to our citizens and get to know them. I tell my officers to just roll your windows down and say hey — it goes a long way. It has a tremendous impact on what we’re doing.”

By Michelle Floyd