ATLANTA — Atlanta’s long-anticipated public safety training center, a $120 million project that has faced significant controversy, is nearing completion. Officials said the state-of-the-art facility will benefit both first responders and the broader community.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said other precincts, the community, retired chiefs and stakeholders were allowed to tour the facility on Tuesday.
The nearly-finished site off Key Road boasts advanced training amenities, including an almost mile-long trail, a mock six-story tower and space for specialized programs. City officials aim to have the center fully operational next year.
Police Chief Darin Schierbaum emphasized the importance of the facility for officer safety.
“We hope by the end of the first quarter to have phased in all of our various functions. The only thing that will not be complete, at that time, is the firing range," Schierbaum said.
Move-in has already started. Training is underway for the about 1,700 sworn officers and 800 firefighters who officials said needed it urgently.
Advanced training for police, fire, and SWAT
The facility will provide unique opportunities for Atlanta’s mounted patrol officers. The division has a new stable for their horses and a bigger pasture. Officers can train on the horses to protect parks and use crowd control tactics. It's a rigorous, three-month training, according to Mounted Patrol Unit Commander Greg Lyon.
“None of us had any horse experience prior to coming over to the mounted patrol. It’s all done in-house," Lyon said.
A training area is set for the K-9 department. Officers will no longer have to pay kennel fees when they want to take a vacation. There is also a driving course to do uncontrolled skids, which is required. Officers used to have to drive to Forsyth, Georgia, for that training.
The SWAT Team can now do specialized training for active shooters, domestic violence cases, or people who barricade themselves in their homes. The simulation includes facilities that mimic a two-story house.
“It’s hard to find venues where you can actually get out and do a big repel operation going from the tip of the building, making entry into windows," one SWAT representative said.
Firefighters can also train in realistic conditions in ways they haven't been able to before. Fire Chief Rod Smith highlighted a six-story tower's abilities.
“It allows us to simulate smoke. It allows us to simulate heat conditions,” Smith said, adding that the tower will prepare firefighters for real-world challenges.
Smith said firefighters have had to do driving training on the streets of Atlanta until now.
"For years, we have never had, during the course of Atlanta Fire Rescue, the ability to train members how to respond," Smith said.
Schierbaum said other agencies are already reaching out to use the facilities as well. The nearest thing like it is in Forsyth, Georgia.
Community engagement and security
In response to community feedback, the training center includes a public park area and a walking trail that's just under a mile long. Marshal Freeman, Atlanta Police Chief Administrative Officer, said APD met with community representatives 19 times. APD insists it is listening to the community's ideas.
“One of which was these walking trials. So, this is completely birthed out of their request," Freeman said.
Another example, the community was concern about noise control. Plans were changed to move the firing range and driving course to minimize noise.
While the project has faced opposition from some groups, Schierbaum insists it is vital. He noted that over $1 million has been allocated to secure the site.
“We’re not going to not protect the site," Schierbaum said. "We know that there are individuals that have publicly stated that it is their intent to commit acts of arson here.”
Schierbaum said the threats and attacks have declined, as of late.
Beyond tactical training, the center will also offer mental health and inclusion training for officers in the academic building and a leadership building designed to serve the community.
Schierbaum is confident the center’s impact will soon be visible.
The facility is expected to be nearly fully operational within the next 30 to 60 days.