More cops will soon have a reason to call Atlanta's Westside neighborhoods home.
Come this Friday, the Atlanta Police Foundation and Atlanta Police Department will commemorate the completion of five homes built for officers on the city’s Westside as part of an effort aiming to "increase police visibility and enhance engagement between" residents and local law enforcement.
A news release from Atlanta Police Foundation says officers will serve as community ambassadors in "target neighborhoods" — communities with "the highest need and probability of successful stabilization as determined by crime statistics, along with the level of community presence and engagement."
Atlanta Police Foundation will provide a $500-per-month stipend to officers who live and serve in the community for at least five years.
They're calling it the Westside Security Plan. Exactly where the initial homes are located hasn't been specified yet.
The effort was made possible through partnerships with local builders, contractors, and community-focused organizations. The plan is to eventually build 20 to 25 total homes for officers on Atlanta’s Westside by 2020.
"Year over year, crime statistics show the efforts of the APF and the leadership of the APD are working — crime is steadily decreasing," states the news release from Atlanta Police Foundation. "However, there is still much that can be done to make our city safer. Residents and visitors must be able to live in their homes, enjoy the city and feel secure, without undue concern for their safety. "
The ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday at 81 James P. Brawley Drive, Atlanta.
- Photos: How the Atlanta Beltline’s Westside Trail looks right now [Curbed Atlanta]
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