ATLANTA — Atlanta police say overall crime across the city is down 13% year to date, even as officers have responded to several recent high-profile cases.
APD Deputy Chief Jessica Bruce provided the latest crime numbers to members of the city’s Public Safety Committee.
“We are down 13% overall from year to date, we’re down 12% for the seven day period, and slightly just up 3% for the 28 day period right now,” Bruce said.
The numbers come after officers responded to a kidnapping last week and a deadly stabbing along the Atlanta Beltline on Sunday.
City Councilman Antonio Lewis said he has noticed a decrease in crime and loitering at gas stations as officers increase their presence at those locations.
“And what I’ve seen is less crime at the gas stations and less loitering at the gas stations,” Lewis said.
Lewis said officers have been making stops at gas stations throughout the city.
“We have a crew of amazing officers that are riding to the gas stations just pulling in and going gas station by gas station,” Lewis said.
Bruce also said the department is continuing to add officers. 23 recent academy graduates have already hit the streets, while 168 recruits are currently in training. About 45 others are waiting for the next training class to begin.
“We also have graduation for Class 297, which is this Friday, which is an additional 23 officers that have already hit the street last week. As we build back the department you’ll see 168 recruits that we currently have in training,” Bruce said.
WSB Radio’s Michelle Wright contributed to this story.