APD Opens Mini Precinct

May 5,2009

City Councilman Kwanza Hall and Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington joined representatives of Emory University Hospital Midtown for the opening of the Atlanta Police Department’s newest mini-precinct on Peachtree Street.

Located in a 1,026-foot space in the W.W. Orr Building on Peachtree Street, the new Zone 5 mini-precinct will house approximately 30 sworn police employees who are responsible for patrolling Midtown and Downtown Atlanta. The precinct is one of six located in Zone 5.

The City will pay Emory Healthcare a rental rate of $1 per year for use of the space.

“This is just what the doctor ordered,” said District 2 City Councilman Kwanza Hall. The City Council approved the lease agreement in January.

“For years, residents and business owners have asked for a more visible public safety presence south of North Avenue,” said Hall. “This mini-precinct responds to their concerns.”

City officials say the new precinct is conveniently located in what has become a growing section of Peachtree Street that is rapidly connecting Downtown, Midtown, and the Old Fourth Ward.

Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington praised Emory University Hospital Midtown for its partnership with the City.

“The mission of the Atlanta Police Department is to reduce crime and promote the quality of life in partnership with the community,” said Police Chief Richard Pennington. “The collaboration between the police department and Emory University Hospital Midtown exemplifies our mission. Together we can make a positive difference by providing a safe and secure environment for the residents in and visitors to this area.”

The agreements with Emory University Hospital Midtown will be effective until December 31, 2013.

“The partnership between Emory Healthcare and the APD to open this mini-precinct will bring our patients, visitors and employees an extra measure of safety, while increasing police visibility for the surrounding community,” said Dane Peterson, COO, Emory University Hospital Midtown. “It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.”