Two new pro-police billboards have joined the Atlanta skyline ― both downtown and in Buckhead ― thanks to a conservative think-tank group seeking support for law enforcement.
“No police, no peace,” the billboards state in all-capital letters next to the image of an officer. The Washington D.C.-based Heritage Action, part of the Heritage Foundation, unveiled the billboards Monday, including two others in New York City and three in Dallas, Texas. The Atlanta billboards are currently set to be up two weeks, a spokesman for the agency said.
“Georgians want safety, security and a clear vision for how to quell the violence. I am excited to announce the launch of these billboards today because you cannot have peace without the police,” Jessica Anderson, executive director of Heritage Action, said in an emailed statement. “Atlanta is facing rising violence, deep cuts to public safety, and the resignation of top police officers. This is a time for all citizens and leaders to come together to support the important work and sacrifices of our law enforcement officers and push back against the left’s campaign to defund the police.”
But some Atlanta residents say there’s confusion on defunding the police. Racism, bias in policing, officer training and use of force are the real concerns of those wanting law enforcement reform, Grant Park resident Rachel Quartarone told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Credit: Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com
Credit: Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com
“I think it’s telling that these are being put up by an outside group because if you talk to Atlanta residents, no one is saying they want to get rid of police,” she said. “People want to have real conversations. These political slogans are only part of the story.”
One billboard is located on Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Marietta Street and the other is near the intersection of Peachtree and East Paces Ferry roads, both prime spots for Atlanta drivers.
The billboards encourage supporters to sign Heritage Action’s online Police Pledge, which the organization says has already been signed by more than 115,000 citizens elected officials, including Gov. Brian Kemp, Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Sen. David Perdue. Kemp is one of two governors, the other being South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, to sign the pledge, Heritage Action posted on its website. The Georgia senators are among 18 nationwide to sign the petition.
In August, the group said Kemp was the first governor to sign the pledge, and Loeffler, one of his top allies, was the first U.S. senator to back it.
The pledge calls on Americans to “stand with America’s Police and pledge to oppose any bill, resolution, or movement to ‘Defund the Police.’”
“A lawful society—free from mob rule and violent insurrection—is not possible without law enforcement,” the pledge states. “Police officers have chosen a noble profession. They dedicate their lives to upholding the law and protecting the sacred rights of their fellow citizens. As a profession, they deserve support and respect.”
A message on the Heritage website says that those who sign the pledge agree to receive “recurring autodialed market messages,” but aren’t required to make a purchase.
“Defund the police” is a movement to re-direct funds away from law enforcement agencies and instead use the money to support communities in other ways, such as through social services. The movement picked up steam after protests in Atlanta and elsewhere against police brutality.
On June 12, an Atlanta officer shot and killed Rayshard Brooks, who had resisted arrest, outside an Atlanta Wendy’s restaurant, setting off several nights of unrest in the city. The officer involved, Garrett Rolfe, was fired and the former APD chief, Erika Shields, resigned from her role.
“Now is the time for our elected officials at all levels of government to take a stand for peace and security over anarchy and chaos,” Anderson said. “Supporting police is not partisan — it’s American. Lawmakers should push back against violent rhetoric and dangerous policies that would undermine our communities. Our law enforcement supports us every day, and it’s time we support them back.”
On The AJC Facebook page, news of the billboards drew more than 150 comments in an hour Wednesday afternoon, including both supporters and those opposed to the signs.
“Corrupt police. No peace,” one person posted. “See how that works.”
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