Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant to retire

Crime & Public Safety

PHOTOS: Bryant will retire in June after serving the city for over three decades, the mayor’s office announced April 15.

Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant will retire in June after serving the city for over three decades, the mayor’s office announced Friday morning. -- All text by J.D. Capelouto and Wilborn P. Nobles III, AJC; Photo: Alyssa Pointer / AJC File

“I am thankful that the chief agreed to stay on for my first 100 days as Mayor, and I have grown to rely on the Chief’s counsel during our daily meetings,” Mayor Andre Dickens (at right) said in a statement. “We will miss the Chief’s leadership as he enjoys his well-earned retirement.”

Mayor Andre Dickens said the city will launch a national search for a permanent replacement.

Dickens said he is looking for a new police leader that shares his vision for the city. He said when he took office that he would assess Bryant’s performance in his first 100 days before deciding whether to keep him long-term or search for a new chief.

Bryant, an Atlanta native who came out of retirement to lead the department in 2020, said in a statement that he appreciates the opportunity to serve the city.

Bryant served in various police department roles over the years, working his way up the ranks to become a major in 2010, a deputy chief in 2014 and eventually the department’s assistant chief. He retired from that position in April 2019 before returning to head the city jail.

Bryant served there until he was named the department’s interim chief in June 2020 following the resignation of former Chief Erika Shields, who stepped down the day after Rayshard Brooks was shot and killed by an APD officer. Nearly a year later, he was named permanent chief by former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (right) as the city grappled with a spike in killings.

The rise in violent crime has continued into this year. As of April 14, 2022, APD had investigated 51 homicides since Jan. 1, up from 39 this time last year. Property crimes like robbery and car theft have gone down, and aggravated assaults have remained even. Police recruitment, meanwhile, has seen a large uptick compared to this time last year.

The announcement from the mayor’s office did not provide a timeframe for when the city hopes to hire a new chief.

“As Mayor Dickens plans his leadership strategies for this great city, I believe it is essential that he and the city of Atlanta have a Chief of Police who is willing to serve throughout his term,” Bryant said in a statement. “I have so many great memories of my career. I could not be more thankful to be ending my career — again — with the city of Atlanta Police Department.”

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Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant will retire in June after serving the city for over three decades, the mayor’s office announced Friday morning. -- All text by J.D. Capelouto and Wilborn P. Nobles III, AJC; Photo: Alyssa Pointer / AJC File

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