Mayor’s Office of Communications
Thế giới cá 55 Trinity Avenue, Suite 2500 • Atlanta, Georgia 30303

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/25/13

News Release

Atlanta Police Reach Historic Hiring Milestone of Largest Force in History
Mayor Reed fulfills pledge to fill 2,000 authorized sworn officer positions

ATLANTA – Mayor Kasim Reed joined Police Chief George Turner, Chief Operating Officer Duriya Farooqui and several members of the Atlanta City Council in announcing the fulfillment of a pledge to fill 2,000 authorized sworn positions in the Atlanta Police Department.

The hires bring the Atlanta Police Department to its largest size in the city’s history, and will increase officer visibility on the streets. Mayor Reed included 150 new officer positions in the FY2011 budget and an additional 50 positions in the FY2012 budget.

“We defied the odds, and added these positions during some of the most difficult economic times our nation has seen,” Mayor Reed said. “I’m proud that my administration was able to follow through on this longtime city goal.”

Mayor Reed referenced a campaign that began in 1997 of “2,000 by 2000,” a goal of reaching a force of 2,000 officers by the year 2000 that wasn’t reached until he made public safety a top priority on taking office in 2010.

“Having 2,000 officers on the street helps to ensure a safer and more vibrant city – a remarkable accomplishment made possible by dedicated officers, APD leadership staff and a Mayor and City Council that value public safety,” Chief Turner said. “It also means a more visible, stronger force, ready to respond to crime and serve as a signal that Atlanta is ready to become one of the safest cities in America. Under Mayor Reed’s leadership, the APD has increased hiring qualified candidates, resulting in a smarter and more educated workforce.”

“Hitting the 2,000 officer mark has concrete impact, said Farooqui. “It allows us to respond to 911 calls faster. It gives us approximately 15 officers per square mile and it deepens our capacity in situations where we have a significant event, allowing police coverage for the rest of the city to remain at a steady and strong level.”

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