The Atlanta Police Department welcomed its newest officers Friday with the graduation of Recruit Class 297.
Mayor Andre Dickens and Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum joined graduates, their families and APD leadership for the Aug. 28 ceremony at the Public Safety Training Center. The ceremony also recognized Lateral Class 24 and Citizens Police Academy Class 52.
New Officers Join APD
Recruit Class 297 includes graduates who came to Atlanta from Pennsylvania, Florida, New York, other parts of Georgia and the eastern Caribbean. Some also previously served in the Marines, Air Force and National Guard.
“You have chosen a path that is not easy. It is demanding. It is challenging. And it asks that you show up as your best self for every single shift,” Mayor Dickens told the graduates.
Dickens and Chief Schierbaum presented awards and diplomas to members of Recruit Class 297.
Experienced Officers Choose Atlanta
Lateral Class 24 was also recognized Friday. The class includes experienced law enforcement officers who joined APD after serving with other departments.
Their arrival comes as APD continues its recruitment and retention efforts. More than 90 percent of APD positions are currently filled, according to the Mayor’s remarks, up from the same time last year.
Residents Get a Closer Look at Policing
The ceremony also recognized Citizens Police Academy Class 52.
The Citizens Police Academy gives residents a closer look at police work and the responsibilities officers face while building stronger connections between APD and Atlanta communities.
“Public safety is not just the work of the men and women in uniform,” Dickens said. “It requires buy-in from communities and neighborhoods, too.”
The Mayor closed by thanking the new officers and community graduates for their commitment to Atlanta.
“Thank you all for believing in this city,” Dickens said. “Thank you for choosing service over self. And thank you for keeping this city safe.”
