Atlanta Police Department: Response To Buckhead Cityhood Movement

Atlanta GA

05 August, 2021

4:06 PM

Description

Press release from the Atlanta Police Department: 08/04/2021 Response to Buckhead Cityhood Movement   The women and men of the Atlanta Police Department work hard every day, putting their lives on the line to protect the City of Atlanta and reduce crime. We understand that this is a challenging time for the policing profession as well as our nation and the City of Atlanta isn't exempt. We remain committed to our citizens and believe that the City is stronger when we work together and together we will overcome any challenges we face.   APD officers are the backbone of this department and largely responsible for the day to day response to 911 calls and patrol duties. While the community is relaxing in the comfort of their homes, our officers are out helping people in crisis and tracking down lawbreakers. To insinuate that we're looking the other way when it comes to crime is a far-fetched notion. The APD has more than 150 sworn members assigned to multiple specialized units outside of our Field Operations Division and these resources are utilized on a regular basis in Buckhead and throughout the city. We have several aircraft available to patrol, assist in details or provide support during active situations. Our APEX unit targets the most violent of criminals. This year alone, they have recovered 42 stolen firearms, taken 82 firearms from felons and arrested more than 700 felons. Regardless of where their enforcement activity occurs, it has an impact on crime throughout the entire city, Buckhead included.   The City of Atlanta Police Department has been in existence for more than 145 years and we understand that we can't arrest our way out of many societal issues. We utilize a variety of alternatives to promote community safety and wellness to include programs such as the Pre-Arrest Diversion program to reduce arrests and incarceration of people experiencing extreme poverty, problematic substance use, or mental health concerns, and increase the accessibility of supportive services. Additionally, services are provided through the At-Promise Centers and the Police Athletic League; where wrap-around services are available for youth and families.   As it relates to APD's response to shoplifting calls, the APD never stopped responding to shoplifting calls. Zone commanders were afforded the authority to determine if a shoplifting call needs to be a priority call or if there are more pressing patrol needs. Upon brief review of shoplifting numbers, we show more than 200 arrests, so far this year, with more than a third of them made in Zone 2. Additionally, our investigators have multiple active warrants issued for shoplifters who were not on scene when officers arrived.   In response to statements that the APD chase policy needs to be strengthened, we feel it is important to point out the new policy was implemented after the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) was asked to look at our policy and provide an unbiased, outside opinion, taking into consideration crime trends and the safety of our communities. Additionally, we reviewed best practices from law enforcement agencies from around the country. The new policy does restrict pursuits to only "forcible" or violent felonies and requires officers to have direct knowledge the person being pursued is involved in a violent crime. We do not feel it is in the public's best interest to chase individuals who have not been involved in a forceable felony and we continue to stand by that decision. We utilize state-of-the art technology to include License Plate Readers (LPR's) and our camera network, when appending individuals in vehicles. Additionally, our 'eyes in the sky' is a safe way to pursue and apprehend those involved in violent crime. Here's just one example: The Phoenix Air Unit helped officers track car thieves who attempted to get away https://www.facebook.com/AtlantaPoliceDpt/videos/4105529719564800 .   The members of the City of Atlanta Police Department are committed to our mission to create a safer Atlanta, nurture the relationships and build trust in our community. The APD remains committed to improving the quality of life within each of our communities and we are hopeful our efforts will not be diminished by baseless criticism, politically motivated commentary and a litany of misinformation.   This press release was produced by the Atlanta Police Department. The views expressed here are the author's own.