A new group of Atlanta Police Department officers is ready to serve the city.
Mayor Andre Dickens and Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum recognized APD Recruit Class 297 during a graduation ceremony Friday, Aug. 28, at the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. The ceremony also recognized Lateral Class 24, made up of officers bringing experience from other police departments, and graduates of Citizens Police Academy Class 52.
The new recruits come to APD from a range of backgrounds and places, including Pennsylvania, Florida, New York, other Georgia communities and the eastern Caribbean. The class also includes members with experience in the Marines, Air Force and National Guard.
For Atlanta residents, the graduation means more officers joining the department as the City continues its focus on recruiting and retaining the people responsible for keeping Atlanta’s neighborhoods safe.
Building APD’s Ranks
APD now has more than 90% of its positions filled, according to remarks delivered at the ceremony, an improvement from the same time last year.
Mayor Dickens credited Chief Schierbaum and APD leadership for continuing to focus on both recruitment and retention.
The mayor also welcomed members of Lateral Class 24, who are joining APD after serving with other law enforcement agencies and bring previous policing experience to Atlanta.
“Thank you all for believing in this city. Thank you for choosing service over self. And thank you for keeping this city safe,” Mayor Dickens told the graduates.
Residents Have a Role, Too
Friday’s ceremony wasn’t only about officers.
Graduates of Citizens Police Academy Class 52 were also recognized. The program gives residents a closer look at APD operations and the responsibilities officers face on the job, helping strengthen understanding between the department and the communities it serves.
Mayor Dickens pointed to that relationship as an important part of public safety, noting that keeping Atlanta safe requires participation from neighborhoods as well as law enforcement.
The ceremony concluded with diploma and award presentations for Recruit Class 297, Lateral Class 24 and Citizens Police Academy Class 52.
