COMMISSIONER AND DISTRICT ATTORNEY FORM HISTORIC PACT

New Multi-Agency Task Force Reflects Growth of South Fulton County Communities

Fulton County Commission Vice-Chair Bill Edwards and Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. announce today the formation of a new multi-agency law enforcement task force to address the needs of the burgeoning cities and communities in South Fulton County. The South Fulton Law Enforcement Public Safety Task Force includes the City of Atlanta, College Park, East Point, Fulton County, Hapeville and Palmetto Police Departments as well as the Fulton County Sheriff's and Marshal's Offices.

Citizens complaints about increased crime prompted officials to meet this morning to address those concerns. Beginning immediately, the Task Force will share information regarding arrests and trouble spots among their various agencies and will also send information, via email, to local elected officials and community groups and neighborhood organizations.

The Task Force will hold its first official meeting on Friday, January 4, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the South Fulton Annex, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park, Georgia. It will be the first of quarterly meetings to coordinate crime-fighting activities between the separate departments and agencies.

District Attorney Howard says, "The explosive population growth and development in South Fulton parallels that of North Fulton County decades ago. The expansion of services required then is necessitated now in a different part of the County."

East Point Police Chief Leander Robinson expressed excitement at the formation of the group and wants his city to take a leading role in coordinating the multiple agencies. "Everyone is ready to hit the ground running come January 4th," Robinson said.

CONTACT: Lyn Vaughn, 404.730.6860 (office); 770.597.6963 (cell); lyn.vaughn@co.fulton.ga.us