The Atlanta Police Department (APD) serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the city of Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States. Tasked with upholding law and order within the city limits, the APD plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety and security for Atlanta's residents and visitors.
2006: Kathryn Johnston shot and killed by Atlanta police officers during a no-knock warrant raid
In 2006, 92-year-old Kathryn Johnston was shot and killed by Atlanta police officers who entered her home unannounced on a no-knock warrant. Johnston fired at the officers upon their entry. This incident sparked a federal investigation into the Atlanta Police Department's practices.
April 26, 2007: Two Atlanta Police Department officers plead guilty to manslaughter in the death of Kathryn Johnston
On April 26, 2007, two Atlanta Police Department officers pleaded guilty to manslaughter, violation of oath, criminal solicitation, and making false statements in connection to the death of 92-year-old Kathryn Johnston. One officer also pleaded guilty to perjury. The charges stemmed from a 2006 incident where officers entered Johnston's home unannounced on a no-knock warrant, and she fired at them. Prosecutors alleged the officers falsified information to justify the warrant.
October 2009: Two Atlanta police officers cited for lying in a federal drug case
In October 2009, two Atlanta police officers were cited for lying in a federal drug case. This incident, along with the Atlanta Eagle raid, raised concerns about the truthfulness and integrity of some officers within the department.
April 8, 2011: Atlanta police officers shoot a 64-year-old U.S. Marine veteran
On April 8, 2011, Atlanta police officers shot a 64-year-old U.S. Marine veteran who had fired shots at the ground in front of a man attempting to steal from him. The veteran, who claimed the officers never identified themselves, sustained serious injuries, including the loss of a kidney. He was later released from prison after prosecutors dropped charges.
June 2011: Report exposes lies and evidence destruction by Atlanta police officers in the Atlanta Eagle raid
In June 2011, a 343-page report revealed that 16 Atlanta police officers had lied or destroyed evidence related to the Atlanta Eagle police raid on a gay bar. This led to disciplinary actions, including firings, and further scrutiny of the department's practices.
July 8, 2011: Six Atlanta police officers fired for lying about the Atlanta Eagle police raid
On July 8, 2011, six Atlanta police officers were fired for lying about the events surrounding the Atlanta Eagle police raid, which targeted a gay bar. This followed a 343-page report released in June 2011 detailing how 16 officers lied or destroyed evidence related to the raid.
2013: Atlanta Police Department initiates a fleet upgrade with Ford Taurus Police Interceptors
In 2013, the Atlanta Police Department began phasing in new Ford Taurus Police Interceptors to replace older Crown Victoria models. The department aimed to modernize its fleet of approximately 300 vehicles.
2013: Breakdown of the Atlanta Police Department's rank and file in 2013
Information was released on the composition of the Atlanta Police Department's workforce in 2013.
May 30, 2020: Atlanta police officers use Tasers on two black college students during George Floyd protests
On May 30, 2020, during the George Floyd protests in Atlanta, police officers pulled over and used Tasers on two black college students. This occurred after the officers arrested a classmate of the students. One officer alleged that one student possessed a gun, but no gun was found. The incident led to charges against six officers and public outrage.
June 12, 2020: Atlanta police officers fatally shoot Rayshard Brooks at a Wendy's drive-thru
On June 12, 2020, Rayshard Brooks was fatally shot by an Atlanta police officer at a Wendy's drive-thru. Police were called because Brooks was asleep in his car in the drive-thru lane. After Brooks failed a sobriety test and resisted arrest, a struggle ensued, during which Brooks grabbed an officer's taser. As Brooks fled, he fired the taser at an officer, who then shot and killed him. This event sparked further protests and intensified scrutiny of police use of force.
January 18, 2023: Atlanta police officers shoot and kill Manuel Teran, a protester of the "Cop City" project
On January 18, 2023, Manuel Teran was shot and killed by Atlanta police officers during a protest against the construction of a police training facility dubbed "Cop City." Protesters opposed the facility's location in a public park and raised concerns about police militarization.