Introducing Atlanta’s New C.A.R.E. Unit: Supporting Community Safety and Officer Availability
The Atlanta Police Department (APD) has introduced its latest initiative to serve our community better – the C.A.R.E. Unit (Community Assistance REsponders). Designed to handle non-emergency calls, the C.A.R.E. Unit frees up our sworn police officers, allowing them to focus on high-priority, life-saving situations. This innovative program, part of Atlanta’s “Operation Heat Wave” summer safety plan launched by Mayor Andre Dickens, is a huge step forward in building a safer, more efficient Atlanta.
The C.A.R.E. Unit, staffed by trained civilian Community Service Officers, is on the streets of Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and other northern neighborhoods, ready to respond to incidents like non-injury car accidents, minor vandalism, traffic issues, and downed trees or wires. With distinctive black and neon green pickup trucks, the C.A.R.E. team provides rapid assistance, taking the pressure off our uniformed officers and contributing to a more streamlined service model.
“This unit allows APD officers to focus on tackling violent crime, removing illegal firearms, and addressing serious incidents,” said Mayor Dickens. “It’s an essential part of making Atlanta safer and stronger.”
C.A.R.E. Responders undergo an intensive 14-week training program and must meet specific qualifications, including being 18 or older, holding a valid driver’s license, passing a background check, and demonstrating excellent communication skills. The first class of C.A.R.E. graduates celebrated their accomplishments at an APD graduation ceremony on August 13, and five additional team members are already in training to join the unit.
“It’s extremely amazing to be a part of something so big, new and so contributing to the Atlanta Police Department,” said Sheliah Sutton, an officer with the CARE unit.
In just their first month, C.A.R.E. Responders answered 392 calls and took 303 reports – results that are already making a big impact. APD Chief Darin Schierbaum also shared that, looking to the future, APD plans to expand these efforts to mental health calls by bringing in trained co-responders to assist in crisis situations.
To learn more about the essential role the C.A.R.E. Unit plays in supporting our community, check out the video featuring their work on the streets of Atlanta!
Join Atlanta’s C.A.R.E. Unit: Make a Difference in Your Community!
The Atlanta Police Department’s new C.A.R.E. Unit is hiring civilian responders to help handle non-emergency calls—freeing up officers for critical incidents and keeping our city safer. As part of this team, you’ll assist with traffic issues, respond to minor accidents, and document incident reports, making a direct impact on Atlanta’s streets every day.
Key Requirements:
- 18+ years with a high school diploma or GED
- Valid Georgia Driver’s License with a clean record
- Strong communication and computer skills
- Ability to pass background checks and other screenings
Apply by November 20, 2024, and be part of this exciting new chapter for Atlanta!
