It was a busy weekend across Atlanta, with Easter, 404 Day celebrations, sporting events, concerts and at least eight Metro Atlanta school systems on Spring Break at the same time. Public Safety Officials planned ahead and proactively spread across the city to ensure the more than 50 sanctioned events in all APD Zones that were held Saturday, April 4 were safe and enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.
With hundreds of thousands of students out of school and activity across the city, Mayor Andre Dickens joined Atlanta Police Department Assistant Chief Carven Tyus, Major Peter Malecki and City leaders to provide an update to the public on recent incidents and outline the City’s continued focus on public safety.
You can watch the full press conference online. (Watch here)
A Weekend That Drew Regional Crowds
Last Friday alone, more than 600,000 Metro Atlanta students began Spring Break, creating what could described as a “Super Spring Break” across the region.
At the same time, Atlanta residents and visitors were out across the city enjoying holiday events and gatherings.
Mayor Dickens thanked those who spent the weekend celebrating responsibly, along with public safety officials and Grady staff who worked throughout the weekend. (Watch here)
Clear Facts and Ongoing Investigations
City leaders provided clarity around the incident at Piedmont Park, noting that it occurred more than an hour after a permitted festival had concluded and on the opposite end of the park.
That event followed the City’s standard permitting process, with required staffing in place, including sworn officers, private security personnel and medics on site.
There is currently a $15,000 Crime Stoppers reward for information that can assist law enforcement. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 404-577-8477.
Public Safety Trends and Continued Focus
Mayor Dickens also addressed the broader public safety picture:
Crime is down in our city and we have not had a weekend like this in quite a long time. Four years ago today, there were 48 homicides by this time of year. This year, we are at 17. Let me be clear: one homicide is one too many. But there were three times as many homicides four years ago on this date as there are today. (Watch here)
City leaders emphasized that while the weekend required a coordinated response, the overall trend continues to move in the right direction.
A Message to Parents Across the Region
Mayor Dickens also spoke directly to parents, emphasizing shared responsibility across the region:
I’m speaking directly to parents: we don’t want to parent FOR you. It’s YOUR job to parent.
He encouraged parents to stay engaged, know where their children are and take an active role in helping keep young people safe.
I want YOU to know where YOUR child is at all times. I want YOU to know where your child is. YOU.
The city’s (Atlanta) population is about eight (8) percent of the Metro Atlanta area. That’s 520,000 residents, and there’s 6.5 million Metro Atlantans. This eight percent can’t take care of the other 92 percent’s kids. (Watch here)
No “Teen Takeovers,” Continued Clarity
Atlanta Police were also clear in addressing speculation about so-called “teen takeovers.”
Assistant Chief Tyus stated that there were no teen takeovers in Atlanta and encouraged the public to review his full remarks for additional context. (Watch here)
Looking Ahead: Continued Investment and Engagement
Looking forward, Mayor Dickens announced that the Administration will be asking City Council to provide additional resources in the upcoming budget to support youth engagement efforts and address root causes.
I will be asking Council to support an expansion of these efforts, which taken together, will increase and improve neighborhood health and increase public safety. (Watch here)
Those efforts build on existing initiatives, including the Year of the Youth, the APD C.A.R.E. Unit, Park Rangers and the Mayor’s Office of Violence Reduction.
Before you go
The same day, Mayor Dickens swung by one of the several programs, centers and initiatives the City of Atlanta has developed over the last four plus years to provide Atlanta’s young people opportunities for fun, learning and connecting while they have free time.
Here’s some behind-the-scenes access at the City’s At-Promise Center near Metropolitan where 180 young people were participating in the annual Hope meets Promise Conference. While you’re there, go ahead and follow the City of Atlanta on Instagram to get the deep dive on all things ATL. (Instagram)
