If it seems like there’s been a rash of suspicious package calls in Atlanta since the Boston bombings, that’s because there has been.
Police Chief George Turner says his department has seen a 30 percent uptick in calls that turn out to be false alarms. But he says the department is up to levels where it's not being overwhelmed.
“Our resources are made available, stretched somewhat, but that’s why we’re going to be increasing the number of SWAT members to our team,” he says.
Mayor Kasim Reed says when the city receives a threat, it’s not easily dismissed.
That increase is expected by the time of the Peachtree Road Race this summer.
“We would rather have the opportunity to prevent a tragedy rather than miss something,” he says.
Reed encourages anyone who sees something suspicious to call police.