Calling on the big guns to handle APD shootings
When Atlanta Police Chief George Turner was asked about an incident in Chicago — the October 2014 death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald, who was shot 16 times as he walked away from Chicago police — he responded with candor.
“I would be lying to you if I tell you that (transparency) wasn’t a concern of public safety throughout the entire country,” Turner said.
“We need to do everything we can to be as transparent as possible so citizens understand that we understand the challenges, and also the perceptions, that are going on in this country.”
Toward that end, the APD is partnering with the GBI.
Specifically, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will take over all probes of officer-involved shootings by the APD, the state’s largest police force.
That could be great for the APD. But what will it mean for the GBI? Find out on MyAJC.com.
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.
