Atlanta school district records show officers used some type of force — including pepper spray, stun guns and physical “takedowns” — in Atlanta schools 22 times last year.

The district uses contracted Atlanta police for school safety and security, but with the recent controversies over using “street” officers in classrooms, the school board is considering forming its own police force.

That would mean ending the district’s $5.6 million contract with the City of Atlanta.

Mayor Kasim Reed’s spokesman called it “a terrible decision.”

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The DeKalb County Board of Education gave Norman Sauce III a one-year contract to serve as its interim superintendent. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

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Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. 
(Miguel Martinez / AJC)

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