Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed is calling for a stronger relationship with Fulton County over issues including jail crowding and curbing recidivism rates.
Speaking at a public safety town hall meeting at Zoo Atlanta Thursday evening, Reed said he’s worked for the past year with Fulton officials on the issue of repeat offenders that he believes are the root cause of many local problems.
“Rather than criticize our county partners, what we’re going to do is push harder on the amount of cooperation that we have between Atlanta and Fulton County,” Reed said. “But what you have to know is we have a problem with a revolving door as it relates to the county and the city and that has to be resolved.”
Reed acknowledged striking a far softer tone than he did in 2013, when he criticized Fulton County leaders for operating a “turnstile jail” system that releases repeat offenders.
Fulton County Chairman John Eaves said while he welcomes the collaboration with the city, he doesn’t believe jail crowding is the primary problem. He said the county jail is currently under its capacity by about 300 inmates.
“It’s a very complex issue. You can’t just say the problem is because of ‘this.’ It’s not that easy,” he said, adding that other solutions include addressing what leads people to criminal activity and pre-trial diversion programs.
Eaves noted both he and Reed have their own task forces to address crime issues that he hopes will work together.
“At some point those two efforts have got to merge in such a way there’s true policy and budgetary decisions being made to support both efforts,” he said.
Thursday’s event, held at the Atlanta Zoo auditorium, drew well over 100 residents concerned about what police confirmed is an uptick in crime in their neighborhoods. The area has seen violent crimes in recent months, including an armed robbery last week at a Grant Park restaurant, the same location where an employee was murdered in 2009.
The panel, which took questions from the crowd, included Atlanta Police Chief George Turner, Fulton County Juvenile Court Chief Judge Brad Boyd and several other police and court officials. Reed left after about 20 minutes, a fact some in the crowd voiced displeasure over during the meeting.
Residents voiced myriad concerns to the officials, ranging from racial profiling to lack of police presence in certain areas. And police officials shared frustration with curbing youth criminal activity.
Reed said though crime is at a four year low, he understands the frustration. “I’m very sorry for what you all are going through right now, and we’re going to fix it,” he said.
APD will soon expand staffing hours and bolster its capabilities through predictive policing models and enhanced patrols, he said.
Paulette Scott, of East Atlanta, said she came to hear from fellow residents, who she encourages to participate in neighborhood planning units and neighborhood watches to help reduce crime. Still, she’s worried about what she believes is rising crime.
“For us citizens who work very hard for a living, we’re concerned,” she said. “My community is concerned for those who protect us, as well.”
E.L. Taylor, of Poncey-Highland, said he hoped to receive concrete suggestions for ways residents can improve neighborhood safety, such as how to organize a neighborhood watch program. He lives near the so-called “Beltline Kroger” where a man was killed in broad daylight last month. APD recently arrested a suspect for the crime.
“I just expected more of a comprehensive plan, and I didn’t hear one,” said Taylor, who has lived in Atlanta for nearly 30 years. Taylor said he and his wife are frustrated. “For the first time, we’re actually considering moving.”
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