“Crime is Toast” Atlanta Police Honored for Bravery, Commitment (Franklin: violent crime, credit)

[Derrick_TheRiskTaker]

Wow! Mayor Franklin is doing some awesome things to reduce and prevent crime. Here's some great news!

During the State of the Force address, delivered this morning at the Crime is Toast fundraiser, Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington put criminals on notice that an “improved, motivated and better-staffed” Atlanta Police Department (APD) is prepared to put criminals behind bars.

Mayor Shirley Franklin joined Chief Pennington and Atlanta Police Foundation (APF) president Dave Wilkinson at the Georgia World Congress Center for this fourth annual event which thanks officers for keeping Atlanta safe for residents and visitors. APD sworn and non-sworn employees were recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty. [A complete list of award winners is available at www.atlantapd.org] (broken link).

In 2002, Mayor Franklin hired Chief Pennington to make Atlanta a safer city. Since then, APD has reduced part I and violent crimes to record lows for five consecutive years - even while most of the nation experienced an increase during the same period.

Weekly COBRA (Command Operation Briefings to Revitalize Atlanta) meetings, instituted in 2003, allow officers to review, analyze and re-deploy resources and tackle crime in real-time. In 2002, APD was at 1,433 officers – well below full strength. Today, APD is at 1,833 officers and in the midst of an aggressive recruitment campaign for 2,000 officers by 2010.

A new Narcotics unit is staffed and ready to tackle Atlanta’s drug trade. APF programs - Crime Stoppers and Operation Shield – successfully allow civilians to play a role in catching criminals. APD also became CALEA-accredited – a feat for a city of Atlanta’s size - which ranks the department in over 400 best-in-class categories.

But our work is far from done, Chief Pennington says. Nationally crime is up, and in Atlanta it has been more pronounced. The Chief acknowledges a continuing drug problem and significant juvenile crime over the summer. APD is working with juvenile and justice systems to come up with solutions for youth crimes and recidivism. Increased technology – in particular providing all APD officers with computers - will allow officers more time in the communities.

About APF: Every year, APF presents fundraisers to support City of Atlanta Police. This year, over $140,000 was raised by the Crime is Toast breakfast from the public and private sectors to support programs that contribute to the health and safety of the city and our public safety officers. Programs include recruitment, training, in-town affordable housing options and scholarships.

Source: City Newsbytes: The Official E-Newsletter for the City of Atlanta (http://www.atlantaga.gov/media/citynewsbytes_103007.aspx#crime - broken link)

[NorthmeetsSouth]

Was that tongue-in-cheek?

[cajunfosho]

That's uplifting news