Atlanta Police Department Announces New Zone 5 Commander

November 4,2015

The Atlanta Police Department is pleased to announce that Major Scott Kreher will be the new Zone 5 Commander replacing retiring Major Wayne Whitmire.  The promotion is effective Thursday, November 5, 2015.

Outgoing Major Whitmire has had many successes while in command of Zone 5.  He was in charge during major city events such as the Chick-fil-A Bowls, Final 4, Peachtree Road Races, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and countless weekends filled with Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Dream games and numerous conventions with thousands of attendees.  In the three years Major Whitmire has been in command of Zone 5, Larcenies are down 15%, Vehicle Larcenies are down 11% and Robberies are down 12%.

“I recognize that a key element of success is to put the right leadership in the right place at the right time. I am confident that Major Kreher will bring fresh thinking to the table,” said Chief George Turner.  “It takes a strong leader to oversee the vibrant and busy downtown area and with his many years of experience, the transition will be seamless.”

Major Kreher began his career 23 years ago as a patrol officer in Zone 3.  He has served as an Investigator in Major Fraud, a Sergeant in Zones 1, 3, 5 and Fugitive, and a Lieutenant in Zone 4 where he commanded both the morning and day watch units.  He also worked in Vice before being promoted to Captain in Zone 4 as the Assistant Zone Commander.  During his commands, he has worked to improve community relationships and reduce crime.

“I am grateful to Chief Turner for having the confidence in me to lead the men and women of Zone 5,” said Major Kreher. “Our partnership with the residents and business community is my number one priority and I look forward to working with everyone to make Zone 5 a safe place to live, work and play.”

Major Kreher holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University and a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati.  He is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, The Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police and the Atlanta Police Department’s Leadership Institute.  He is also a certified P.O.S.T. instructor and a part-time instructor in Georgia State University’s Criminal Justice department.