FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
June 16, 2023
MARTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
RECEIVES $1.4 MILLION GRANT FROM GOVERNOR KEMP
ATLANTA
- The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Police Department
(MPD) has received a $1.4 million grant from Governor Brian Kemp through the
American Rescue Plan State Fiscal Recovery Fund Public Safety and Community
Violence Reduction Grant Program. The grant will be used to facilitate the
recruitment and hiring of qualified law enforcement officials, expand the
existing force, and support MPD’s proactive and strategic law enforcement
strategies and safety measures.
“The
MARTA Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our
valued customers and the communities we serve,” said MARTA Police Chief Scott
Kreher. “This grant from Governor Kemp will enable us to bolster our resources
and enhance our ability to provide effective law enforcement services, further
strengthening our partnership with the community.”
“MARTA
remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering dependable, efficient, and secure
transit to the region. With the generous support of this grant from Governor
Kemp, the MARTA Police Department will continue to evolve and adapt, ensuring
it effectively anticipates the needs of our customers and upholds a safe and
secure environment,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood.
MPD
engages in a range of activities to ensure the safety and security of the
system and the surrounding communities, including patrols, investigations,
community outreach, partnerships, and collaborative efforts with local
agencies. MPD reports a
17 percent reduction in Part 1 crimes (violent and property crimes), and a 42
percent reduction in operator assaults. Enforcement of MARTA’s Ride with
Respect Program resulted in over 5,000 temporary or yearlong system suspensions
for violators and over 70 permanent bans. Additionally,
MPD partners with Hope Atlanta to provide support and resources to unsheltered
individuals on the system.
MPD also recently
achieved state law enforcement certification, a complex process established to
ensure agencies are held to the highest standards of ethics and safety and are
compliant with the law and current policing procedures. And just this week, MPD
was awarded the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) 2023 Rail
Security Gold Award for heavy rail stations for its outstanding security
programs, specifically the Joint Bike Patrol Team partnership with the Atlanta
Police Department.
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