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City councils

Atlanta Mayor Proposes Adding 400 Police Officers Amid Rising Crime Concerns

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin has proposed adding 400 sworn officers to the city's police force, citing rising crime concerns in many neighborhoods. The proposal comes as the city faces a $50 million budget shortfall and Franklin has asked for a property tax increase to pay for the hires. Franklin estimates it costs at least $20 million to hire, train, and equip 200 police officers, suggesting the 400-officer hire could cost upward of $40 million.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mayor Shirley Franklin plans to add 400 sworn officers to the Atlanta police force, increasing the total number of officers to 2,000.
  • The proposal is aimed at addressing rising crime concerns in Atlanta neighborhoods, with the mayor citing the city's high crime rates as a major concern.
  • Franklin estimates the cost of hiring, training, and equipping 200 police officers to be at least $20 million, with the 400-officer hire potentially costing $40 million.
  • The City Council has drafted legislation to end furloughs for police officers and firefighters, which were enacted in December, and will vote on the measure on January 22.
  • Councilman Jim Maddox is reluctant to consider a property tax increase due to opposition from constituents.
  • The International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 623 has expressed skepticism about Franklin's proposal, citing the time it takes to hire new officers and the need for a comprehensive plan.
  • Crime data from the Atlanta Police Department shows a 9% decrease in violent crime from 2007 to 2008, but a 4% increase in overall crime.

Statistics:

  • Atlanta has 1,623 sworn police officers, according to the most recent data from the Police Department.
  • The city faces a $50 million budget shortfall for the current fiscal year.
  • Franklin estimates the cost of hiring, training, and equipping one police officer to be at least $100,000.
  • The average time it takes to hire a new police officer is 4-6 months.
  • Violent crime in Atlanta decreased by 9% from 2007 to 2008.
  • Overall crime, including burglaries and car thefts, rose by more than 4% in 2008.

Sources:

  • "Atlanta Police: Crime Down 9 Percent in 2008", 11Alive.com (no date)
  • "City of Atlanta Faces $50 Million Shortfall", Atlanta Journal-Constitution (no date)
  • "Mayor Proposes Increasing Police Force by 400", Atlanta Press Club (no date)
  • "City Council Drafts Legislation to End Furloughs", Atlanta Journal-Constitution (no date)

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