In light of the Atlanta Police Department's recent announcement that its Zone 5 commander, Major Khirus E. Williams, was stepping down from his post, APD Chief George Turner issued a statement today reassuring Midtown residents that the police department considers the district's security vital to the city's well-being.
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Major Williams claims to have been “forced into retirement” after leaking an internal proposal that would have eliminated community-oriented policing. The AJC also reports that Williams was a 26-year veteran of the force and was considered as a possible replacement for Chief Richard Pennington after his retirement in 2010.
Today, Chief Turner responded to accusations today that the department was removing its foot soldiers in Midtown, leaving only officers in patrol cars to respond to 911 calls.