Georgia lawmakers continue to look for ways to address the startling crime rate in Atlanta. The House Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee, chaired by State Representative J. Collins (R-Villa Rica), held a town hall meeting late last week to hear from residents in downtown Atlanta on ways to address crime. And Wednesday, members of the Senate Public Safety Committee will meet and hold discussions on reversing current crime trends in Atlanta.
Members of the two committees are responding to calls by two of the state’s leaders to fight the exploding violent crime rate in Atlanta. Both Governor Brian Kemp and Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) have made this issue a priority for the upcoming legislative session.
Members of the House committee met at the Russell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the heart of downtown Atlanta for the town hall meeting, which was hosted by State Representative Mesha Mainor (D-Atlanta). Initial meetings of the committee have all been held at the State Capitol, but Chairman Collins said he wanted to hear directly from the residents who live in the downtown, south and westside neighborhoods of Atlanta. The committee also heard testimony from leaders in the Atlanta Police Department (APD), community leaders and stakeholders who are working together to tackle crime in Atlanta.
Reports indicate the Atlanta Police Department investigated 157 homicides in 2020 — up from 99 the previous year — and the highest in more than two decades. There were multiple killings in the city over the weekend.
“We had committee members travel from across the state to attend this town hall because we all understand how paramount it is for us to hear directly from local police officers and community leaders who have unique perspectives on this issue,” said Collins. “While the rise of crime in certain Atlanta neighborhoods has garnered a lot of attention lately, this committee is committed to getting to the root of this longstanding problem throughout Atlanta by looking at new ways to address the rising crime rates locally and at the state level. The committee plans to continue this important dialogue to create the change we need so all of its citizens can feel safe.”
APD leadership talked about an increase in recidivism and the high cost of investigating crimes committed by repeat offenders. The committee also heard from residents who expressed fear for themselves and their loved ones who live in the city.
As part of the meeting, the committee members discussed innovative ways to address homelessness and examined ideas to provide wrap-around services for those who are struggling with mental health issues.
As part of Wednesday’s upcoming Senate meeting, chaired by Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell), the committee is expected to hear from Vic Reynolds, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Butch Ayers of the Georgia Police Chiefs Association, Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat, and representatives from the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Sheriff’s Association and others from law enforcement.
