The Atlanta Police Department (APD) currently has all 8 Can't Wait policies reflected in their standard operating procedures. #8CANTWAIT is a campaign by Project Zero calling for eight specific use of force policies to be adopted by police departments with the goal of reducing killings by police. Although a review of these use of force policies was one component of the Bottoms Administration’s efforts to reform our police department’s policies, the City of Atlanta has gone beyond these eight policies to identify additional areas for improvement. These reform efforts have been informed by the Use of Force Advisory Council and an internal APD working group with members across all ranks and covering all zones of the force.

The Bottoms Administration recognizes the importance of incorporating policy reforms into APD’s training plans. Most recently, the duty to intervene policy update was included in APD’s quarterly training for top leadership and will be part of a larger training roll-out for recruits, civilian staff, and command staff. Mayor Bottoms has also called for a “top to bottom” review of policing in the City of Atlanta, which will include a focus on training needs.

The Bottoms Administration does not support reducing the Atlanta Police Department’s budget; the majority of APD’s budget is dedicated to salaries, pensions, worker compensation, and capital costs. However, Mayor Bottoms agrees with the need to reallocate City funds towards social services and support and community enhancement initiatives. To that end, the Mayor’s FY21 budget includes a transfer of $13.5M from the Department of Corrections budget to the Office of Constituent Services, as well as a redeployment of Corrections personnel to other City departments, including Parks and Recreation. Additionally, the Reimagining ACDC initiative aims to convert the Atlanta City Detention Center into a multifaceted center for wellness and healing, skills-building, economic mobility, and crime prevention for people, families and communities impacted by the history of over-incarceration.

Yes.The Atlanta Citizen Review Board (ACRB) was established by City Ordinance in 2007 to provide citizen oversight of misconduct accusations against sworn members of the police and corrections departments in the City of Atlanta. It provides a credible, independent forum where complaints and accusations can be assessed. The ACRB is comprised of fifteen members, selected from various constituencies throughout the City. The selection process is designed to reflect the diversity and interests of a broad spectrum of the community.