Atlanta police making arrests at site of proposed training center

News

Atlanta police making arrests at site of proposed training center

At least two people were arrested as a large police presence descended on the site of Atlanta’s planned police and fire training center in DeKalb County on Tuesday.

At least two people were arrested as a large police presence descended on the site of Atlanta’s planned police and fire training center in DeKalb County on Tuesday. Text: J.D. CAPELOUTO / AJC. Photos: JOHN SPINK / AJC

Activists who oppose the building of the 85-acre center have camped out on the site for months. The forested land off Key Road is just outside Atlanta city limits in southwest DeKalb County, but is owned by the city. Text: J.D. CAPELOUTO / AJC. Photos: JOHN SPINK / AJC

Last September the Atlanta City Council approved a measure to lease the land to the Atlanta Police Foundation to build the facility, which is set to include a shooting range, classrooms, a mock village, an emergency vehicle driving course, stables for police horses, and a “burn building” for firefighters to practice putting out blazes. Text: J.D. CAPELOUTO / AJC. Photos: JOHN SPINK / AJC

The vote followed weeks of deliberation and pushback from local activists have nicknamed the project “Cop City.” Text: J.D. CAPELOUTO / AJC. Photos: JOHN SPINK / AJC

Protests opposing the $90 million project have continued in recent months, and a group known as “forest defenders” set up camp on the site, building barricades and at least one treehouse and sabotaging construction equipment. Text: J.D. CAPELOUTO / AJC. Photos: JOHN SPINK / AJC

Police foundation officials said they are intent on moving the project forward with the city’s backing, telling The Atlanta Journal-Constitution earlier this year that as crews begin construction, anyone trespassing on the site would be arrested. Text: J.D. CAPELOUTO / AJC. Photos: JOHN SPINK / AJC

1/6

At least two people were arrested as a large police presence descended on the site of Atlanta’s planned police and fire training center in DeKalb County on Tuesday. Text: J.D. CAPELOUTO / AJC. Photos: JOHN SPINK / AJC

Today's Gallery Headlines

The Center tour

PHOTOS: An early look at CNN Center's redevelopment in downtown Atlanta

2h ago

Wayfair Tour

PHOTOS: Wayfair opens first Atlanta store

Atlanta Hawks host the Boston Celtics

PHOTOS: Hawks defeat Celtics in key East battle

People march in Bishop Park in Athens on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Protesters gathered in 10 different locations around Georgia’s Congressional District 10, leading up to a “Democracy Fair” at Bishop Park as part of a nationwide day of “No Kings” demonstrations. Organizers estimate that a few thousand people participated, many of them first-time protesters. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)

PHOTOS: 'No Kings' rally at Bishop Park in Athens, Ga.

More Galleries

Game 2 of Atlanta Braves vs Kansas City Royals

PHOTOS: Braves go to 2-0 after walk-off grand slam

Sen. Jon Ossoff speaks during Georgia Service Academy Day at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta on Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Ben Gray for the AJC)

PHOTOS: Deepening impasse over DHS funding was plain to see at Dobbins Air Reserve Base hangar

No Kings rally and march in downtown Atlanta

PHOTOS: No Kings rally and march in downtown Atlanta

Atlanta Braves season opener against the Kansas City Royals

PHOTOS: Braves win home opener at Truist Park