ATLANTA — Mayor Kasim Reed on Friday appointed the city’s interim police chief to the post on a permanent basis.
George N. Turner was appointed as interim chief about six months ago. An Atlanta native, Turner is a 29-year veteran of the department.
“We don’t have time to lose,” Reed said in announcing Turner’s appointment. “We do not have the luxury of waiting for a new chief to come in and learn about the issues that most concern our residents. Interim Chief Turner knows the city’s neighborhoods and the people who live in them. The results we are seeing suggest we are moving in the right direction and I want to build on the progress we have made. To disrupt that momentum would not be in the best interest of the city’s residents.
“I have found Interim Chief Turner to be honest, hard-working and open to change and new ideas,” Reed added. “I think he has the right blend of integrity, knowledge, commitment and curiosity — traits which are vital for an effective police chief. I also believe Interim Chief Turner cares about every single police officer in the department and that he genuinely loves the city of Atlanta and its diverse neighborhoods and residents.”
During Turner’s interim period, crime levels, case resolution and recruitment improved, city officials say.
