Atlanta Police Department Kicks Off Summer Safety Initative

Staff Report

The Atlanta Police Department has kicked off its summer safety initiative focused on keeping the citizens and visitors in the Atlanta area safe. Saturday, June 21 is the official start of summer but the Atlanta Police Department is getting a head start on preventing criminal activity.

“The summer safety initiative was created to significantly reduce crime and opportunities for criminals,” said Police Chief George N. Turner in a statement. “We are also giving special attention to our youth population by keeping them engaged in activities so that they have a positive outlet for their energy.”

The Department’s summer crime prevention initiatives include:

• Increased patrols from all units including bike, mounted, foot beats, and specialty units
• Dedicated safety zones during special events such as the Peachtree Road Race, Lenox Square Fireworks, and Atlanta Braves games.
• Targeted crime prevention canvases and community outreach efforts in high-crime areas
• Increased patrols in parking lots, shopping districts, event venues and apartment complexes.
• Safety stops to prevent impaired driving and auto thefts
• Regular patrols of public parks, recreation centers and swimming pools
• Youth prevention programs and directed patrols at summer school sessions as well as curfew details
• Active participation in several summer programs including summer camp at the Police Athletic League (June2-July18), the Mayor’s Summer Reading Program (July), National Night Out (August 5 and the Atlanta Police Foundation’s Atlanta's Finest 5k (August 23).

Community involvement is the best prevention against crime. In addition to increasing patrols, the Department is encouraging residents to remember the “See Something, Say Something” campaign by being aware of surroundings and calling 9-1-1 to report any suspicious activity.