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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Katrina Roman (left) tells her students whether they are "calor" (warm) or "frio" (cold) during Spanish class at the DeKalb Christian Home Educators co-op in Stone Mountain, while school director Coretta Ponder observes on March 26, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

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Débora Rey and her husband Martín Verdi liked Trump's "get tough on undocumented immigrants" stance but they didn't think he would go after legal immigrants like their son. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC