ATLANTA – The House Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee, chaired by State Representative J. Collins (R-Villa Rica), yesterday held a town hall meeting to hear from residents in downtown Atlanta on ways to address crime. Members of the committee met at the Russell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the heart of downtown Atlanta for the town hall meeting, which was hosted by State Representative Mesha Mainor (D-Atlanta).
“I want to thank the residents of downtown Atlanta and its surrounding neighborhoods for joining us for this important discussion, and I appreciate Representative Mainor for hosting this historic town hall event in her district,” said Rep. Collins. “We had committee members travel from across the state to attend this town hall because we all understand how paramount it is for us to hear directly from local police officers and community leaders who have unique perspectives on this issue. While the rise of crime in certain Atlanta neighborhoods has garnered a lot of attention lately, this committee is committed to getting to the root of this longstanding problem throughout Atlanta by looking at new ways to address the rising crime rates locally and at the state level. The committee plans to continue this important dialogue to create the change we need so all of its citizens can feel safe.”
After holding several committee meetings at the State Capitol in recent months, Chairman Collins worked with Rep. Mainor to facilitate this town hall meeting to hear directly from residents who live in the downtown, south and westside neighborhoods of Atlanta. The committee received testimony from Atlanta Police Department (APD) leadership, community leaders and stakeholders who are working together to tackle crime in Atlanta.
During the town hall meeting, APD leadership highlighted an increase in recidivism and the high cost of investigating crimes committed by repeat offenders. The committee also heard from residents who expressed fear for themselves and their loved ones who live in the city. The committee members discussed innovative ways to address homelessness and examined ideas to provide wrap-around services for those who are struggling with their mental health. The committee also received testimony from local organizations, including Street Groomers, which emphasized the importance of community involvement in helping deter and prevent future crime.
This town hall event was also live streamed to the public, and the video archive can be found here.
Representative J. Collins represents the citizens of District 68, which includes portions of Carroll and Douglas counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves as Chairman of the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee and Secretary of the Juvenile Justice Committee. He also serves on the Special Committee on Access to the Civil Justice System, Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Regulated Industries and Governmental Affairs committees.
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