APD officers sidelined after failing firearms test
Atlanta Police officers who fail the department's annual firearms qualification test will no longer be able to keep their city-issued weapon until they pass the exam, a spokesman confirmed Wednesday.
"Every year, a certain number of officers fail to qualify at the range," APD spokesman Carlos Campos said. "They are given more opportunities to qualify throughout the year. Last year, they all eventually did."
WAGA-TV reports 89 officers, out of roughly 1,800, failed the firearms test and ultimately 14 were placed on administrative leave. That's a significant leap from the previous year, when 64 officers flunked the exam and two were reassigned to desk work, according to WAGA.
But those officers were allowed to keep their weapons even after failing to qualify on the firing range. No longer.
"This year, we do have a new policy in place that any officer who does not qualify with his or her firearm will be placed on administrative duty -- without weapon -- if they fail to qualify," Campos said.
About the Author
A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.
