ATLANTA — Overall crime in Atlanta is down 13% so far this year, while shootings have dropped 23%, according to new numbers presented by Atlanta police to City Council members.
Deputy Chief Jason Smith highlighted the decline in gun violence as the department reviewed its latest crime numbers.
“A 23% drop in shootings year to date which we’re very happy about,” Smith said.
Police also reported increased participation in the department’s diversion program, which is aimed at addressing homelessness, drug addiction and mental health crises.
“At 1,298 for the year; if you recall last year we had a total number of 1,217, so we’re already surpassed where we were last year and we have three months left,” Smith said.
Participation in the program is voluntary. Those entering the program cannot be charged with a violent crime or have outstanding warrants.
Police also addressed activity in the Harland Terrace area along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, where criminal activity has been a concern for residents and police.
“In that area we have been very active. Year to date over in that area we’ve had 243 arrests including 117 for narcotics,” Smith said.
Smith says Atlanta police will remain vigilant during the final quarter of the year, which includes the G-20 foreign ministers’ summit at the end of October.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Graham Carroll contributed to this story.