Atlanta, Georgia, October 14, 2025
News Summary
The annual ‘Crime is Toast’ breakfast in Atlanta showcased significant progress in public safety and honored the Atlanta Police Department. Key updates revealed a 44% decrease in homicides and advancements in staffing levels, with APD aiming for full staffing by 2027. Mayor Andre Dickens shared promising statistics alongside calls to enhance safety for residents and visitors, particularly with the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The event also paid tribute to fallen officers, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining public safety in Atlanta.
Atlanta, Georgia – The annual “Crime is Toast” breakfast took place recently, focusing on the progress made in public safety and honoring the Atlanta Police Department (APD). With a central theme of the evolution of public safety in Atlanta, the event provided critical updates on crime statistics, departmental resources, and future goals.
APD Chief Darin Schierbaum reported notable improvements in APD’s operational status, highlighting the best staffing levels and morale experienced in five years. The department currently has nearly 1,800 officers, and an additional 240 new recruits are in the pipeline. Chief Schierbaum indicated that APD has returned to its 2020 staffing levels and anticipates achieving full staffing, which is authorized at 2,200 officers, by 2027.
In his address, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens shared promising statistics, revealing a 44% decrease in homicides compared to the same timeframe in 2022. Additionally, APD has recorded a 30% drop in shootings and a 40% drop in car thefts during this period. The department has confiscated approximately 130,000 guns off the streets since 2022. Furthermore, during the year 2025, APD charged the gang statute 561 times, seized 2,438 firearms, and shut down 76 drug-dealing operations, compared to 73 operations in the previous year.
This year, the APD responded to 7,875 mental health calls and utilized force in less than 1% of those situations. The recently established Fulton County Diversion Center has provided an alternative to jail for 748 individuals with behavioral health concerns. Overall, APD has received over 630,000 calls for service and made more than 18,500 arrests year-to-date.
The event also served as a tribute to Officer David Rose of DeKalb County Police, who was tragically killed in the line of duty. His wife accepted the Purple Heart and Medal of Honor on his behalf, honoring his sacrifice.
Mayor Dickens expressed his vision of making Atlanta the safest large city in America by 2028. He emphasized the necessity of demonstrating a visible commitment to safety, especially for travelers arriving at the airport. To this end, plans include achieving full staffing by 2027, investing in officer wellness, expanding youth intervention programs, and leveraging technology to predict and prevent crime.
Chief Schierbaum described a safe city as one where residents can confidently walk at night without fear and enjoy their public spaces. Both city leaders are also preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, affirming their readiness to protect the city in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies.
Key Statistics from the “Crime is Toast” Breakfast:
- 44% decrease in homicides since 2022
- 30% drop in shootings
- 40% drop in car thefts
- 130,000 guns confiscated since 2022
- 561 gang statute charges in 2025
- 2,438 firearms seized
- 76 drug-dealing operations shut down
- 7,875 mental health calls this year
- 630,000 calls for service received
- 18,500 arrests made year-to-date
Future Goals for Atlanta Public Safety:
- Achieve full staffing by 2027
- Expand youth intervention programs
- Invest in officer wellness, housing, and training
- Leverage technology to predict and prevent crime
- Enhance safety for FIFA World Cup 2026
FAQ Section
What is the “Crime is Toast” breakfast event?
The annual “Crime is Toast” breakfast aims to honor the Atlanta Police Department (APD) and provide insights into public safety in Atlanta.
What progress has APD made since 2020?
The theme of the event was the evolution of public safety in Atlanta, assessing progress since 2020.
How many officers does the APD currently have?
The APD currently has nearly 1,800 officers and is projected to achieve full staffing of 2,200 officers by 2027.
What are the crime statistics reported at the event?
Mayor Andre Dickens announced a 44% decrease in homicides compared to the same time in 2022, a 30% drop in shootings, and a 40% drop in car thefts during the same period.
What future plans were announced for APD?
Future plans include achieving full staffing by 2027, expanding youth intervention programs, investing in officer wellness, housing, and training, and leveraging technology to predict and prevent crime.
Crime Statistics Overview
| Statistic | Percentage Change | Year-to-Date |
|---|---|---|
| Homicides | -44% | 2022 |
| Shooting Incidents | -30% | 2022 |
| Car Thefts | -40% | 2022 |
| Guns Confiscated | N/A | 130,000 since 2022 |
| Gang Statute Charges | N/A | 561 in 2025 |
| Firearms Seized | N/A | 2,438 in 2025 |
| Drug Operations Shut Down | +4 | 76 in 2025 |
| Mental Health Calls Responded To | N/A | 7,875 in 2023 |
| Total Calls for Service | N/A | 630,000 year-to-date |
| Total Arrests Made | N/A | 18,500 year-to-date |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- ATL Press Collective
- Rough Draft Atlanta
- AJC
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- Google Search: Atlanta police department
- Google Scholar: public safety Atlanta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Policing
- Google News: Atlanta safety
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