Reed seeks federal public safety funds

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – Since the runoff election, Kasim Reed has been transitioning into office. Now that he's officially Mayor elect of Atlanta, Reed plans to focus on what he says is his number one priority: public safety.

WABE's Charles Edwards reports

Reed has already named Deputy George Turner acting chief for Atlanta's Police Department. Meanwhile, he's looking for a permanent chief and for money to hire more police officers. While in office, he wants to grow APD by 750 police officers.

Reed says money for such an effort will first have to come from the federal government.

Projections show little to no growth in Atlanta's budget. That's why Reed said Wednesday he plans to visit Washington D.C. at least twice before Christmas.

REED: "The state of Georgia is 3 billion dollars under. We know what the city's fiscal is. So, the money that's available is going to be in Washington."

Reed hopes national attention on the Mayor's race has shed light on Atlanta's public safety needs.

Charles Edwards, WABE News.