In early 2018, the City of Atlanta conducted a comprehensive market assessment to form base pay recommendations for APD’s police ranks. Once published, Mayor Bottoms convened a series of priority meetings with APD, the Atlanta Police Foundation, City of Atlanta officials and stakeholders to craft a swift and equitable plan of action to address the compensation concerns.

The pay increase — 30 percent over the next three years — ensures that APD wages are competitive with other agencies in the region and in similarly sized urban centers nationwide. Additionally, this increase stabilizes Atlanta’s police force, enhances the retention of experienced officers, and strengthens recruitment efforts.