The brand-new Atlanta Public Safety Training Center is officially up and running, and it’s already making a big difference for the folks who protect and serve our city.
Located right here in Atlanta, the center just celebrated its ribbon-cutting after more than two years of construction. Sergeant Tasha Brown and Officer John Prrenmore welcomed everyone to the grand opening in the Leadership Building, where the celebration marked a major milestone for public safety in our city.
For years, Atlanta’s officers and firefighters have had to train in outdated and inefficient facilities—but those days are finally over. Now, they have a state-of-the-art space to sharpen their skills and stay ready for anything. The campus will be used to keep current officers and firefighters up to date, and also help city workers—like those who drive large vehicles—train on new equipment like the skills pad.
Fire Rescue and Police leadership spoke during the event to thank everyone who stood by them and made the center possible. They highlighted how this center isn’t just about new buildings—it’s about showing loyalty and commitment to the people of Atlanta.
For the Atlanta Police Department, it’s a new beginning in more ways than one. For the first time since 2021, APD now has more than 1,700 officers. Officer Jude Julian and his fellow graduates in Class 287 were the very first to finish their training at the new center. They’re proud, and they should be—it’s not just graduation, it’s the start of their service to the community.
There are more incentives helping bring new recruits to the force, too. Curtis Lean Bass from the Atlanta Police Foundation leads the Officer Support Program and says it starts from day one. Recruits can live at Unity Place, the country’s only housing complex made just for police recruits. And there’s support beyond that—help finding housing for families, child care programs, even up to $3,000 in college tuition reimbursement per year.
Lieutenant Courtney Murphy, who helps run APD’s background and recruitment office, is bringing in more applicants than ever before. In just six months, over 6,100 people applied to join the force. She’s using her marketing background and fresh ideas to help APD reach its goal of 30% women on the force by 2030.
The city’s also seeing early signs of success: homicides are down 33%, car thefts are down 40%, and over 1,400 guns have been taken off the streets just this year.
Veteran officer Major Fred Watson, who’s been on the job for 25 years, says he’s proud to have helped build something lasting. From SWAT to training academy director, he’s done it all—and he hopes the work he’s done has helped others.
The center is here, the boots are on the ground, and the work has begun.