“Our public safety personnel must have modern, top-quality training programs and facilities throughout their careers, from their first day in the academy to routine training thereafter. This includes the most progressive training curriculum in the nation which includes learning and practicing de-escalation skills, mental health training, anti-bias training, and building relationships with citizens to continue strengthening community trust.”
The new Atlanta Police Training Center will soon begin to serve its purpose as a dedicated training space with modern facilities. The new center will allow sworn officers, civilian responders, firefighters, EMS, and E-911 staff to train locally and collaboratively, using modern philosophies and methodologies rooted in harm reduction. Although the project hasn’t been without challenges, input from the community has influenced the physical design of the facilities and the broader site.
Since 2020 and 2021 respectively, both Atlanta Fire and Rescue and the Atlanta Police Departments have been working without dedicated training facilities after their facilities were condemned. Renting space where available and traveling to use the facilities of other public safety agencies across the state has proven both expensive and inefficient.
Atlanta seeks to be the model city for modern public safety. The new center will allow Atlanta’s public safety personnel from multiple departments to train together in modern facilities leveraging up to date technology. This venue will provide greater opportunities to practice scenarios that involve de-escalation tactics, improved mental health awareness and training, and implementation of other use-of-force reducing strategies.
