ATLANTA — The national narrative about law enforcement officers extends to Atlanta, which is making it difficult for the department to recruit, officials said at a recent gathering.
“This is a pivotal time in our society, a critical time for the city of Atlanta,” the Northside Neighbor quoted Atlanta Police Foundation President and CEO Dave Wilkinson as saying.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed “often says crime is at a 45-year low. That is true. We’re very proud of that,” Wilkinson added, according to the newspaper. “But at the same time, last year in Atlanta and across the country, there were a lot of officer-involved shootings. Now we’re seeing a rise in violent crimes throughout the city this year, especially with the murder rate.”
Wilkinson on Aug. 18 led the “State of Public Safety” during the Buckhead Business Association’s Signature Luncheon. Atlanta Police Chief George Turner and FBI Special Agent in Charge J. Britt Johnson participated in the panel discussion.
“We’re in a difficult time,” The Buckhead Reporter newspaper quoted Atlanta Police Chief George Turner as saying. “It’s challenging to recruit … with what is going on in the national scene.”
“There is a changing narrative around the work we are doing,” the chief said, according to BuckheadView.
Turner urged a solution to the number of guns on the streets. He also urged millennials to consider a career in law enforcement.
Millennials “want to be involved in something to make a difference … come to the APD and be the change you want to see,” Atlanta Intown quoted Turner as saying.
