More security cameras, ATVs to patrol trails, and real time crime information updates are just a few of the initiatives Athens-Clarke County leaders are considering to beef up security in the college town.
Athens Mayor Kellie Girtz held a press conference on Wednesday to discuss the proposed public safety measures. The initiatives are in direct response to security concerns in the Classic City brought on by last week’s murder of 22-year-old Laken Riley.
The Augusta University nursing student was killed by an illegal immigrant living in Athens, police say. Jose Ibarra is now in jail, charged with her murder.
“We are all grieving the loss of Laken Riley, just as we’ve grieved so many tragedies over the years in Athens,” said Girtz. “Our anger at these murders and other criminal activities will drive us to continue to improve our community safety as we’ve been pursuing for so many years. I empathize with the frustration and anger so many are feeling right now.”
A small group of protesters showed up at the press conference to denounce what they claim is Athens’ status as a sanctuary city. Mayor Girtz denied their claims, saying the commission has not adopted any policies resulting in sanctuary city status.
New public safety initiatives
During the press conference, Girtz outlined the proposed public safety initiatives, including those that build upon existing and previously funded efforts.
One of the first things commissioners will consider is a plan to advance the city’s Real Time Crime Center. The center ties in all of the Athens’ publicly accessible cameras and the private cameras of those who have agreed to participate so that police can rapidly pursue cases.
Under the proposal, the city would invest $90,000 in mobile closed-circuit television surveillance trailers that can be used for daily operations and major community events. The plan also calls for the purchase of four all-terrain vehicles police can use to patrol the expanding Athens-Clarke County trail system.
Athens would also install camera arrays in high-traffic and high-crime areas.
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SEC comparison
As home to Georgia football, Girtz compared Athens’ crime rate to those of the other 12 Southeastern Conference (SEC) communities.
Based on crime statistics between 1992-2023, the mayor said Athens-Clarke County ranks 8th among the 13 communities for all offenses per 1,000 people, 10th for crimes against property, 6th for crimes against people, and 10th for crimes against society.
Athens city leaders are considering other initiatives outside of law enforcement to make the city safer.
“Public safety doesn’t rest with policing alone,” Mayor Girtz said. “Public safety involves fair and quality housing; it involves good work with youth; it involves community outreach, and so many provisions that just give people a good solid platform for which to exist.”
The proposal calls for nearly $7 million in new spending to improve youth development, housing, and employment opportunities in Athens.
