About a third of Atlanta Public Schools police officers will have enforcement powers that allow them to work anywhere in Fulton County instead of just around school properties.
Fulton County Sheriff Theodore Jackson swore in 16 Atlanta school police officers Monday. The district plans to have five more school officers deputized this fall.
Officials said the action allows APS police to work anywhere in Fulton County and throughout the city of Atlanta, including visiting students’ homes.
Previously, the jurisdiction for those officers ended 500 yards beyond school district property, said APS Police Chief Ronald Applin, in a video interview recorded and released by Atlanta Public Schools.
“This gives our officers the authority to use their law enforcement skills to support our families and kids outside the jurisdiction of Atlanta Public Schools. For us it means when our kids are still in their play spaces in other areas of city and county, they know our officers and it gives them a sense of safety and support,” said Superintendent Meria Carstarphen, in a written statement.
The school district created its own police force in 2016 to replace Atlanta Police Department officers who used to patrol schools.
