Atlanta sees drop in violent crime; repeat offenders a persistent problem, police chief reports

ATLANTA – Violent crime is declining in the city of Atlanta, according to the latest crime statistics. However, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum says repeat offenders remain a challenge as the department focuses on gangs, guns and drugs.

The police chief spoke with the Atlanta City Council about where locations are most likely to be affected by violent crime. He told them the most likely place a shooting would occur was at a convenience store. He told city leaders that one reason was that many of them had illegal slot machines inside, which attracted more crime.

“If you look at the locations where shootings are likely to occur in Atlanta, Georgia, a convenience store is the number one place a firearm is discharged. One of the biggest contributing factors to this is the illegal gambling that takes place inside,” the chief said. the board.

Another major challenge for officers, Chief Schierbaum said, is that the most hardened criminals continue to wreak havoc on the streets.

“Last year we arrested 1,021 repeat offenders. This is someone who has been convicted of a crime three or more times. That’s a high bar to reach. Of those 30,482 arrests “said the chief.

As the city prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Chief Schierbaum says police officers have been given the renewed task of targeting gangs, guns and drugs on Atlanta’s streets.

“Last year, we focused heavily on gang members who were responsible for triggers being pulled throughout the city. We arrested 127 adults,” the chief told the council.

He says his officers have also taken more than 3,100 guns off the streets while eliminating illegal drugs.

“We also close a drug manufacturing plant in Atlanta every five days,” the chief said.

The chief says his department is using two new helicopters to keep citizens and protesters safe.

“We use our helicopters to ensure the management of large events in our parks and public spaces,” he said.

The chief also assured council members that the controversial Atlanta Public Safety Training Center would be on track to open in December of this year.