Former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed will receive "limited executive protection" from the Atlanta Police Department for 100 days following his last day in office, according a police department statement.
The disclosure came after weeks of questions from an Channel 2 Action News reporter.
The police department didn’t immediately offer details about what “limited” police protection entailed, but a spokesperson said it would be “very” different from the protection Reed received as mayor.
“We believe these services are necessary and reasonable, and not unlike services provided to previous mayors following their transition from office,” the police department statement said.
Reed’s predecessor, Shirley Franklin, received two months of occasional access to a police driver and vehicle after she left office.
The Atlanta Police Department also could not point to any other mayor who received 100 days of protection.
When he was mayor, Reed was often criticized for activating blue lights to get through intersections. He defended the practice, calling it "right" and "legal."
He is also accused in a whistle-blower lawsuit of retaliating against a police department employee who said Reed had inappropriately used police officers to run errands for family members.
The city has denied the claims in the suit and said the former employee who made the accusations was fired for poor performance.
Atlanta City Council President Felicia Moore told Channel 2 Action News that she first learned of the extended police protection from an reporter.
”I guess it would be a question as to why it is necessary,” Moore said.
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