Mayor, Police Chief Praise Changes since Kathryn Johnston

By Odette Yousef

Atlanta, GA – Nearly one-year after 92-year old Kathryn Johnston's death, the police department has made positive changes. That was the message today from Atlanta's mayor and police chief who say that new measures will prevent a repeat of the tragedy.

Atlanta mayor Shirley Franklin praised police chief Richard Pennington for his work since Johnston's death:

FRANKLIN: The changes that have taken place in the department are well on their way to restoring trust for the police department. A trust that was fractured last year in November.

Since Johnston was killed during a botched drug raid, APD's narcotics unit was completely replaced. New policies were introduced, aimed at increasing oversight and accountability when officers try to obtain search warrants.

Reverend Markel Hutchins, spokesperson for Johnston's family, says he is delighted with the changes:

HUTCHINS: The death and legacy of Kathryn Johnston has rewritten policy and procedure in the Atlanta Police Department, and to some degree in police agencies across America.

Nonetheless, Johnston's family plans to observe the anniversary of her death by filing a lawsuit tomorrow at the Fulton County Courthouse, against the city, the indicted officers, and yes, Police Chief Richard Pennington.