George Turner Named Atlanta Police Chief

By Jim Burress

Atlanta, GA – Mayor Kasim Reed says selecting the city's next police chief is the toughest decision he's made since taking office.

"Change is good. Inclusion is good. Transparency is good as well," said Reed. "By embracing all three, we believe we've made the most informed and prudent decision that could be made in our selection of the City of Atlanta's next police chief, George N. Turner."

Reed says several factors influenced his choice. He points to department statistics, showing a drop in crime in the past six months Turner has served as Interim Chief. Reed says both APD officers and the community respect Turner. And, in the mayor's words, Atlanta can't wait for an outsider to learn the city.

"We simply do not have time to lose" Reed said at a Friday press conference. "Nor do we have the luxury of waiting for a new chief to come in and figure out where Buckhead, Bankhead, and Southwest Atlanta is."

Turner, who's spent nearly 30 years on the force, drove that point home.

"This is my hometown," said Turner. "I'm thrilled to be in this roll. I will assure you I'll work diligently every day to maintain my integrity, to stand with the Mayor to drive our Atlanta Police Department to the best police department we can possibly be."

Turner beat out two other finalists: Cecil Alexander, director of Homeland Security at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Robert Crump White, chief of the Louisville Metro Police Department. Reed declined to say who he considered as the "runner-up" for the position, although he spoke exclusively of Robert White's effectiveness as Louisville's chief.

Atlanta's City Council must now confirm Turner, where it's unlikely he'll face opposition among Council members.

Jim Burress, WABE News