ATLANTA — The Atlanta Public Schools Police Department added a new officer to its ranks as part of a new initiative aimed at increasing safety in schools across the district.
Ofc. Kina Lang is the first graduate of a new program designed to send qualified candidates to law enforcement academies to get certified.
It’s a way to ensure schools are protected by officers who are both highly trained and dedicated to working with students.
“I feel amazing. I went through ten weeks of training, and I did it,” Lang said, visibly excited about the accomplishment.o
On Friday, Lang took a significant step in her career, walking across the stage at her swearing-in ceremony as her new role officially began.
Lang’s journey into law enforcement didn’t begin in a police academy. In fact, she spent many years as a substitute teacher in Atlanta schools, working directly with students. It was during that time that she discovered her passion for working in school safety.
“I actually was a substitute teacher for a long time, and then working with the kids, I made the decision, ‘Huh, I think that’s what I want to do,’” Lang said.
Chief of Police Ronald Applin said her background working with kids set Lang apart during the selection process.
“She was one that stood out because of her experience working with kids, so that made a big difference for us,” Applin said.
Lang will need additional training before she can fill one of the school resource officer vacancies at APS.
“When you think about some of the things that have happened in the past, especially just recently with Apalachee High School, and you think about some of the concerns of parents who want to make sure their kids are safe and secure in the school, it’s very significant to have an officer come on board,” Applin said. “Having someone in a school, building relationships with the kids and providing a safe and secure environment, that’s what we’re focused on.”
In October, the Atlanta School Board authorized the addition of 45 new school resource officers, specifically for elementary schools in the district.
The chief said the department currently has 114 school resource officers in place, with more recruits ready to start training next month.
The goal is to have an officer in every school in the district. However, that goal comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of recruitment.
“The competition is such that we’re basically fishing in the same pond when you think about all the different agencies who are looking for qualified applicants to be police officers,” Applin said.
To address this challenge, APS adopted a new strategy: recruiting individuals who are not yet certified as officers and putting them through a state law enforcement academy.
“Let’s bring in officers who are not certified, put them through the police academy, build them up, and create an opportunity for growth,” Applin explained.
As Atlanta Public Schools continues to work toward getting enough officers to place one in every school, Lang’s graduation marks an important milestone in ensuring that students and staff have the protection they need to thrive in a safe, secure environment.