ATLANTA PUBLIC SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

SAFETY
IN ATLANTA

Atlanta hosts millions of visitors annually for leisure, business and conventions. Providing a safe environment for all is the city’s No. 1 priority. With various agencies located in the heart of the city and Atlanta Police Department surveilling the area, Downtown continues to be one of the safest places in Atlanta.

Atlanta’s commitment to public safety extends beyond Downtown and into the city’s walkable neighborhoods and reliable transportation systems. From MARTA and Atlanta Streetcar to ride-share services, the entire community works in sync to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for visitors.

INCREASED PRESENCE

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is committed to public safety and to reducing crime in Atlanta. Not only that, but the Atlanta hospitality community works closely with Atlanta Police Department (APD), city of Atlanta, Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) Public Safety, Downtown Ambassador Force, Georgia State University Police, MARTA Police and United States Department of Homeland Security to keep visitors safe.

ATLANTA PUBLIC SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

1PUBLIC SAFETY PRESENCE

Ambassador Force

More than 65 people combine to form Ambassador Force, a private hospitality and public safety force located throughout the convention corridor from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. Recognized by their red and blue uniforms, Segway human transporters or all-terrain public safety bikes, this group works as the eyes and ears for APD in many respects.

ATLANTA PUBLIC SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

2PUBLIC SAFETY PRESENCE

Georgia World Congress Center

GWCCA has one of the largest security forces in the state of Georgia and is the only convention center in the nation to have a dedicated 24/7 police department. Its 220-acre campus includes Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), Centennial Olympic Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Signia by Hilton Atlanta.

ATLANTA PUBLIC SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

3PUBLIC SAFETY PRESENCE

Atlanta Police Department Zones

APD’s Zone 5 Precinct is located in the heart of the convention corridor on Ted Turner Drive with mini precincts in The Center and Midtown. More than 100 officers patrol these areas.

 

Buckhead’s Zone 2 includes APD’s newest precinct to deter crime and enhance public safety in the neighborhood.

ATLANTA PUBLIC SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

4PUBLIC SAFETY PRESENCE

Midtown Blue

In the Midtown neighborhood, the Midtown Blue program consists of more than 40 off-duty APD officers and trained civilian public safety officers who patrol the community around the clock.

ATLANTA PUBLIC SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

5PUBLIC SAFETY PRESENCE

Community Assistance Responders Unit

The Community Assistance Responders Unit (CARE Unit) within APD consists of unarmed responders dedicated to promptly addressing non-emergency service calls, allowing more time for APD officers to focus on emergency situations.

ATLANTA PUBLIC SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

6PUBLIC SAFETY PRESENCE

APD Video Integration Center (VIC)

Through APD’s Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC), police officers can monitor 24/7 video feeds of more than 10,000 public and private sector cameras throughout the entire city of Atlanta.

 

APD VIC allows existing surveillance cameras owned by private business partners such as AmericasMart Atlanta, The Center, Centers for Disease Control, Georgia Aquarium, GWCCA, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and World of Coca-Cola to be integrated and monitored in one central location.

ATLANTA PUBLIC SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

7PUBLIC SAFETY PRESENCE

Connect Atlanta/Operation Shield

Connect Atlanta allows individuals and businesses to register their cameras with APD to allow access to video footage when investigating a crime on or near the camera location. This surveillance network enables police, fire and emergency professionals to better prepare and respond to incidents around the city.

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

Atlanta provides safe, efficient and cost-effective ways to move our visitors around the city.

MARTA Midtown Station

MARTA

MARTA, Atlanta’s public transit system, provides direct access from the airport to Atlanta’s three major neighborhoods – Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead. Visitors can hop on a MARTA train right outside of baggage claim at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for a 15-minute ride into the heart of the city.

ATLANTA PUBLIC SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

Atlanta Streetcar

Atlanta Streetcar connects the convention center, hotels, restaurants and top attractions in downtown Atlanta’s convention district, making it even easier for conventioneers to get to and from their meetings and events.

A bustling city street with pedestrians, a blue tram, and traffic lights at an intersection in Atlanta, Georgia.

Ride Share Services

In addition to traditional taxi service, ride share companies Lyft and Uber each provide Atlanta visitors with 24/7 service via their mobile apps.

Walkable Atlanta

Our compact convention and entertainment district is the ultimate place to meet. Surrounding the Georgia World Congress Center campus and Centennial Olympic Park are award-winning restaurants, unique event venues and remarkable hotels. The convenience of Downtown Atlanta guarantees easy access to attractions and hotels within a few minutes walk or a short ride away.

Download Map
A detailed map of Atlanta's Convention and Hotel District, highlighting key venues and transportation routes in Atlanta, Georgia.

STATE-OF-THE-ART SURVEILLANCE

To enhance physical patrols, our safety agencies also rely on the monitoring of Connect Atlanta/Operation Shield.

Click on each logo to learn more.

Title

Description

Learn More

COMMUNITY PARTNERS,
PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES

In Atlanta, we work hard to address the needs of our unsheltered citizens and those suffering food insecurity. Here are some of the programs and initiatives we are proud to partner with that make successful strides to improve quality of life issues for those in need.

Click on each logo to learn more.

Title

Description

Learn More

Atlanta is a safe destination hosting 50 million+ visitors annually. Unprecedented investments in a 15,000-camera network and dedicated police in tourism corridors ensure a secure experience.

While regional stats vary, the “Convention & Tourism Corridor” benefits from intensive security. The Connect Atlanta program integrates cameras into a real-time Command Center for proactive response.

Firearms are strictly prohibited in major venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the GWCC. Private businesses and hotels also have the right to prohibit firearms on their premises.

Atlanta is operating under a Unified Command (FBI, DHS, APD) with a SEAR-1 rating, the highest level of federal event security.

It is a “Smart City” initiative allowing APD to monitor thousands of cameras in real-time, providing a robust, invisible safety net for the city.

For non-emergencies or directions, look for the Ambassador Force (Red/Blue) or Midtown Blue. You can also use the MARTA See & Say app. For emergencies, dial 911.

During major events, federal agencies operate under a Unified Command strictly focused on public safety and event security. Atlanta remains a welcoming destination, with the Atlanta Police Department serving as the primary contact for fan safety within the “Tourism Corridor.”

Discover More

Get to know Atlanta, and discover the best things to do around the city.