Press Releases

Atlanta Police Department Public Affairs 226 Peachtree Street SW • Atlanta, Georgia 30303

 News Release  

(Atlanta) –The Atlanta Police Department, in partnership with a host of local, state and government agencies have a comprehensive security plan in place for Fourth of July celebrations in the City of Atlanta next week.

“We’ve spent countless hours training and preparing for the annual Fourth of July events,” said Chief George N. Turner.  “We are prepared and ready to protect citizens and visitors. We want this to be a safe and enjoyable holiday for all.”

The plan includes a strong law enforcement presence on the morning of the AJC Peachtree Road Race and evening firework shows at Centennial Olympic Park and Lenox Square.  The department’s 24-hour Joint Operation Center at Atlanta Public Safety Headquarters will be activated.  Our partners from the Georgia State Patrol, FBI, GBI, MARTA Police, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Army National Guard, GEMA as well as several City of Atlanta Departments will assist in monitoring and securing the city.  All of these agencies will have representatives on hand in the Joint Operations Center, where live feeds from the APD’s Operation Shield Video Integration Center will be visible. The Video Integration Center has more than 7,000 cameras with a number of cameras along the race route so that officers can keep an eye on the scene.

The Atlanta Track Club has been meeting over several months with the Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Fire Rescue, the Atlanta Fulton County Emergency Management Agency, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMHSA), Grady EMS and the City of Atlanta Departments of Watershed Management, Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. As part of these preparations, these agencies participated in scenario-based exercises to address potential crisis response.

The Atlanta Police Department and the Atlanta Track Club are urging visitors and spectators of the AJC Peachtree Road Race and other Fourth of July events to avoid bringing backpacks to these events. Piedmont Park will have controlled access following the end of the road race where people and the items they carry will be subject to search. If you must have a backpack, we are asking event-goers to pack as lightly as possible.

Our Mounted Patrol along with undercover officers will also be present to assist with crowd control.  Officers will work 12 hour shifts, July 3rd and 4th with off-days cancelled.  We are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of the runners and spectators.

Further, attendees of all Fourth of July events are urged to call 9-1-1 or approach a police officer if they see any suspicious activity or a suspicious package left unattended. The Atlanta Police Department and its partner agencies are prepared to respond to anything suspicious.

Other July 4th events include:

Centennial Olympic Park’s Fourth of July Celebration will offer fun and entertainment for the entire family, including free music.  Gates open at 6:00pm

57th Annual Legendary 4th of July at Lenox Mall. This year’s activities will include a 15-minute fireworks show, musical entertainment and food concessions.   Entertainment starts at 6:00pm

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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.

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