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New tool to fight crime on Tech campus

2011 Dodge Charger Enforcer II to patrol Tech campus and surrounding areas 2011 Dodge Charger Enforcer II to patrol Tech campus and surrounding areas (Sandra Parrish)

The city of Atlanta and Georgia Tech are collaborating to help fight a recent rash of crimes on and around campus.

City and college leaders announced Monday that a high-tech police cruiser will be used for a joint patrol with officers from both APD and campus police.

“This is a unique opportunity that will allow us to partner with Georgia Tech in a real fashion, “ says APD Chief George Turner. “Every night this car will be on patrol with an Atlanta Police officer and a Georgia Tech officer.”

In addition to the Georgia Tech campus, the cruiser will patrol Home Park, Atlantic Station, and Midtown.

“The important point is the level of collaboration… you won’t lose minutes because you don’t have an officer that understands the campus,” says Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.

He says the cruiser will be in addition to stepped up patrols by both agencies.

The $37,000 2011 Dodge Charger Enforcer II was made possible by donations and a community partnership of the Midtown Alliance, North American Properties which manages Atlantic Station, the Home Park Community Improvement Association, and the Atlanta Police Foundation.

Georgia Tech reports that despite the recent rash of incidents targeting students, crime has been on a steady decline since 2008.