Did Atlanta Defund the Police? What Really Happened in Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta, visit often, or follow local news, you’ve probably heard debates about “defunding the police.” Many people want to know very specifically: Did Atlanta actually defund the police?

The short answer is: No, Atlanta did not eliminate or dismantle the Atlanta Police Department (APD), and it did not fully “defund” the police.
However, city leaders have debated and adjusted how public safety money is spent, and there has been ongoing discussion about shifting some resources toward social services and community programs.

This guide breaks down what that means in clear, Atlanta-focused terms.

What “Defund the Police” Means in the Atlanta Context

The phrase “defund the police” is used in different ways, so it helps to clarify how it’s shown up in Atlanta:

• Some residents and advocacy groups have called for moving a portion of APD’s budget to things like housing, mental health services, youth programs, and violence prevention.
• Others use it to mean major cuts or abolishing the department, which has not happened in Atlanta.
• City officials have mostly focused on reform, oversight, and targeted investments in community services, while keeping APD funded and operating.

In Atlanta, the discussion has mostly looked like:
“Should more of the city’s public safety money go to social and community services, while still keeping police on the street?”
rather than
“Should Atlanta get rid of the police department?”

Did Atlanta Actually Cut the Police Budget?

The Atlanta Police Department has remained funded and active. Over recent budget cycles:

• The APD budget has not been eliminated.
• The department has continued to receive funding for officers, equipment, and operations.
• City leaders have also put money into related services, such as:
  • Non-police crisis response programs
  • Violence interruption initiatives
  • Youth engagement and community programs

Some residents describe this as rebalancing or reinvesting in community safety, rather than outright defunding.

Simple Overview: What Happened to APD Funding?

How Atlanta Handles Public Safety Today

If you’re in Atlanta, policing and public safety work through a combination of:

• Atlanta Police Department (APD) – primary law enforcement agency for the city
• City-funded social and community programs – intended to reduce crime risk and provide help before situations escalate
• Partnerships with Fulton County, DeKalb County, and state agencies – especially for courts, jails, and specialized units

For most residents, this means:

• If you dial 911 in Atlanta, your call is usually handled by:
  • Atlanta 911 dispatch, and
  • Responded to by APD, Atlanta Fire Rescue, or Atlanta Department of Watershed Management depending on the issue.
• Certain situations may also connect you to non-police responders, especially for medical or fire emergencies.

What This Means for You as an Atlanta Resident or Visitor

If You Need Immediate Help

Emergency (anywhere in Atlanta city limits):

• 📞 Call 911 for:
  • Crimes in progress
  • Serious accidents
  • Immediate threats to safety
  • Violent disputes, active break-ins, or similar emergencies

Non-emergency police concerns:

• Use APD’s non-emergency line for:
  • Past incidents (like a car break-in discovered later)
  • Noise complaints
  • Non-urgent suspicious activity

You can find the current non-emergency number and contact options through city resources or by calling the City of Atlanta general information line and asking for APD non-emergency.

If You Have Concerns About Policing in Atlanta

Many people in Atlanta are interested in accountability, transparency, and reform, not just funding levels. You can:

• Submit complaints or concerns about APD officers or incidents.
• Provide feedback at public meetings or through city offices.
• Ask questions about policies, training, and use-of-force rules.

Key local points of contact include:

• Atlanta Police Department Headquarters
  226 Peachtree Street SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

• City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office
  Atlanta City Hall
  55 Trinity Avenue SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

Residents often contact these offices to ask how public safety funds are being used or to share feedback on community priorities.

How Atlanta Has Talked About Police Reform and Community Safety

While APD has not been defunded, Atlanta has seen intense public discussion about:

• Use-of-force policies
• Body camera requirements
• Training on de-escalation and bias
• How 911 calls are handled, especially involving:
  • Mental health crises
  • Homelessness
  • Substance use issues

This has led to efforts such as:

• Expanded training for officers in crisis response and de-escalation
• Investment in community-based programs aimed at:
  • Youth development
  • Violence prevention
  • Neighborhood engagement
• Talk of alternative responders for some non-violent, non-criminal calls

For residents, this means you may see both uniformed officers and non-police teams involved in parts of the city’s public safety response, depending on the situation.

If You’re Trying to Understand Public Safety Policy in Atlanta

If you want to go deeper into how Atlanta funds and structures public safety:

• City Budget Documents
  You can review how APD and related services are funded by looking at the City of Atlanta annual budget. These documents provide line items for:

  • Police
  • Fire
  • Corrections
  • Community and human services programs

• Atlanta City Council
  The Council holds public meetings and hearings where:

  • Police funding is debated
  • Public comments are accepted
  • Ordinances related to public safety are introduced

  Meetings are usually held at or associated with:

  • Atlanta City Hall
    55 Trinity Avenue SW
    Atlanta, GA 30303

Community members often attend or provide comments to express views on whether Atlanta should spend more, less, or differently on policing versus social services.

Visiting Atlanta: What You Need to Know About Safety and Police

If you’re visiting Atlanta:

• The Atlanta Police Department remains the main law enforcement agency within city limits, including around:
  • Downtown and Midtown
  • Buckhead
  • Grant Park, Inman Park, and other neighborhoods
  • Popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park
• You can expect:
  • Visible police presence in busy areas and at events
  • Standard traffic enforcement, event security, and patrols
• For tourism-related questions about safety:
  • Many visitors ask staff at hotels or convention centers for neighborhood-specific safety tips.
  • Some major venues coordinate directly with APD for event security.

It’s helpful to treat Atlanta like any large city:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Secure valuables
• Use well-lit, populated routes at night

Key Takeaways for Atlanta

• Atlanta has not defunded or abolished the Atlanta Police Department.
• APD continues to be funded and active throughout the city.
• There have been ongoing debates and adjustments about how much of the city’s budget goes to police versus social and community services.
• Local government has added or expanded some community-based and non-police programs, but police remain central to emergency response.
• As a resident or visitor, you still:
  • Call 911 for emergencies in Atlanta
  • Can contact city officials and APD with questions or concerns about public safety and policing.

This reflects how the “defund the police” conversation has played out specifically in Atlanta, Georgia: not as a full defunding, but as a continuing debate over how to balance traditional policing and broader community safety investments.