Press Releases
Atlanta Police Department Recognized by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)
Post Date:03/30/2016 5:15 PM
|
Atlanta Police Department Public Affairs |
|
|
Elizabeth Espy, APD Public Affairs Director |
News Release
Atlanta Police Department Recognized by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)
(Atlanta) – Since 2011, the Atlanta Police Department has partnered with the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) on various initiatives to support law enforcement and anti-crime efforts overseas.
Today, INL Assistant Secretary William R. Brownfield met with Police Chief George Turner and City of Atlanta Chief Operating Officer Daniel Gordon to discuss the Department’s training of partner nations on investigating and responding to hate crimes and, more broadly, on building effective rule of law and criminal justice.
During a press conference, Chief George Turner and Ambassador Brownfield provided an update on the partnership and the Atlanta Police Department’s role in addressing bias-motivated violence, especially targeting LGBT persons, overseas.
Ambassador Brownfield presented the Atlanta Police Department with the “The Assistant Secretary’s Award for Special Recognition for Sustained Excellence in Criminal Justice Assistance.”
“The Atlanta Police Department is the leader on the issue of hate crimes,” said Ambassador Brownfield. “They provide first-class, quality training and they’re building networks and contacts around the world; impacting 120 different international police departments.”
The Atlanta Police Department has provided specialized training to 1800 foreign law enforcement officers, tackling hate crimes, gangs, and training officers to be effective while serving.
“The partnership we have with Department of State INL Bureau allows the Atlanta Police Department to make an impact on the law enforcement community that reaches beyond the borders of Atlanta, the State of Georgia and the United States,” said Chief George Turner.
LGBT Liaison Officer Eric King, Officer Kathleen Carozza and Hispanic Liaison Officer Miguel Lugo are currently in Bangkok, Thailand teaching criminal justice officials about bias-motivated violent hate crimes directed at vulnerable populations, especially the LGBT community.
“This is another example of the Atlanta Police Department creating healthy and thriving communities,” said COO Gordon.
The specialized training is at no cost to the City of Atlanta and its citizens. The training is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
###
Our mission is to create a safer Atlanta by reducing crime, ensuring the safety of our citizens and building trust in partnership with our communities.
www.atlantapd.org ~ twitter @Atlanta_Police ~ facebook.com/AtlantaPolice ~ youtube.com/AtlantaPoliceDpt