Atlanta BeltLine Officially Gets Own Police Unit

Reed believes crime hasn’t been a major issue on the trail, but acknowledged a perception problem.

“These robberies and burglaries, I think, is an overhyped exaggeration but what I want to be clear, every time anyone is a victim of crime, we care about it, so we’re being responsive, we’re listening, and we’re changing.”

The BeltLine’s new Path Force Unit, which actually began patrolling about a month ago, is funded by a three year, $1.8 million federal grant.

Atlanta Police Chief George Turner said there’s been 60 arrests since last month, almost all for minor violations like graffiti and littering. Six armed robberies have occurred since 2011, the last one in May.

“We’re gaining control of the path that quite frankly we’ve just really kind of spotly patrolled and now we have dedicated resources that are doing that patrol.”

In addition to the police force, city officials say new surveillance cameras have been installed and better lighting is to come.