New Path Force Unit Begins Patrol on BeltLine

The new Path Force Unit of the Atlanta Police Department begins its patrol this week, said Lt. Jeff Baxter, unit commander of the Path Force Unit. 

Since the Eastside Trail opened in October 2012, a number of armed robberies along the BeltLine has raised public safety concerns.

In response, the Atlanta Police Department has created a specific unit of about 20 officers who will patrol the trail.

“We’re going to start out patrolling on foot and bicycle and then we’re going to transition into acquiring motorized vehicles, which will be side-by-side ATVs and dual-purpose motorcycles,” Baxter said. 

The new unit is specifically dedicated to patrolling the BeltLine. Until now, local precincts have been responsible for providing officers, Baxter said. 

He says the unit will be on duty from 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, and will operate out of new mini-precinct in Reynoldstown.