Folks in Midtown Atlanta are furious after a cop resigns. They say he was forced out for speaking up. The city isn't commenting.
Major Khirus Williams, Zone Five Commander, outed the department in an email to residents and business owners last month saying his superiors plan to eliminate community policing. A few days later he sent another email saying he was now being forced to retire.
Rick Day lives and works in Midtown. He and other residents are demanding a sit-down with city officials.
"This is a tragedy because Major Williams basically fell on his sword," said Day.
Williams had openly warned residents that his superiors wanted to pull back from the community-oriented policing that was working so well. Instead, officers would go back to their patrol cars and responding only to 911 calls. Resident Peggy Demby is shocked by Williams' claim he's being forced to retire.
"It doesn't make any sense to me," said Demby.
They want Williams reinstated. Without him, residents and businesses are afraid they will be less safe at home and work.