Office of Violence Reduction
Welcome to the Office of Violence Reduction
From the onset of his administration, Mayor Dickens has invested in policies and initiatives like Policing Alternatives & Diversion (PAD), Midnight Basketball, our Year of the Youth, School Break Safe Spaces, stood up the City’s Nightlife Division and broke ground on Atlanta’s first ever Center for Diversion and Services to make sure there are alternatives to address the systemic issues that can lead to criminal activity
The Mayor’s Office of Violence Reduction (MOVR) serves as the City’s resource for violence reduction and community-based intervention and coordinates a comprehensive effort to reduce violence—especially with guns. This office applies a holistic approach to violence prevention, reduction and intervention efforts that focuses on the citizens and communities within the City of Atlanta.
MOVR applies strategies based on whether individuals are exposed to violence, at the center of violence, or at risk for violence. This office focuses on increasing protective factors at the family, school and neighborhood levels.
Marcus Walker, Director
Often called “A Leader for Change,” Marcus L. Walker is a public service executive recognized for uniting government leaders, civic institutions, and public safety stakeholders to drive measurable, transformative impact. A visionary strategist and respected thought leader, Walker has dedicated his career to advancing public policy, strengthening systems, and implementing innovative, community-centered violence-reduction strategies. His work emphasizes both immediate interventions and long-term solutions, ensuring communities are safer, more resilient, and equipped to thrive.
Walker’s leadership is defined by institutional coalition-building, consistently bringing together agencies, community organizations, and academic partners to deliver coordinated, sustainable solutions. He has served as a Public Safety Advisor to government executives across the country, where he has helped guide the exploration and implementation of comprehensive violence-reduction models and enhanced interagency collaboration. He has also served as an Executive Director in the non-profit domain, leading cross-sector initiatives that researched the intersection of violence and community. His academic foundation in Criminal Justice, complemented by post-graduate studies in national security and intelligence, informs his approach to designing and operationalizing effective violence-
prevention frameworks. Walker is widely recognized for his ability to translate complex research into actionable strategies that achieve measurable impact at the community and citywide level.
In 2023, Walker was appointed by Mayor Andre Dickens as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Violence Reduction. Under his leadership, Atlanta has achieved measurable reductions in homicides while expanding the city’s capacity for data-driven intervention, strategic partnerships, and proactive prevention of violence. His tenure has also focused on equipping anti-violence networks to sustain long-term community safety.
Walker believes authentic public safety requires shared responsibility. He emphasizes that families, communities, institutions, and all levels of government must work collectively to create safe, healthy, and thriving neighborhoods—demonstrating that lasting change is achieved through collaboration, innovation, and committed leadership
Message From Director Walker: The Mayor’s Office of Violence Reduction is committed to advancing a comprehensive, community-centered strategy to build safer, more resilient neighborhoods. My goals for our office include:
•Empowering anti-violence networks by strengthening community-led intervention efforts and expanding support for frontline organizations. •Reducing homicides through targeted interventions, coordinated response strategies, and improved access to critical resources. •Reducing violence in our youth communities by investing in prevention programs, mentorship opportunities, and trauma-informed services. •Reducing recidivism through reentry support, workforce pathways, and wraparound services that promote long-term stability. •Advancing active anti-violence research and legislation to ensure policy decisions are driven by data, innovation, and community insight. •Equipping residents through public education and awareness campaigns that promote safety, conflict resolution, and community responsibility. •Strengthening strategic neighborhood stakeholder and partnership development to build unified, hyper-local networks committed to sustainable peace.
In addition to these priorities, the office remains focused on enhancing data-driven decision-making, expanding mental health and wellness support, and fostering citywide collaboration to ensure every neighborhood has the tools and partnerships needed to thrive.
Meet Our Leadership Team
The Mayor’s Office of Violence Reduction (MOVR) exists to help Atlanta co-produce public safety. MOVR seeks to implement comprehensive strategies that reduce violence, foster community engagement, and ensure accessible support services for all residents.