ATLANTA — Atlanta’s interim-police chief said resources have been shifted and a wave of officer sick calls have strained the department this week, but he’s prepared to do what it takes to support his staff and the community.
Interim-chief Rodney Bryant spoke in an afternoon news conference on Saturday.
“Trust me when I tell you, your voices are being heard loud and clear. My focus is on your path forward and changes are underway,” Bryant said.
Bryant said officers are exhausted and there have been a variety of reasons they have called in sick. He asked for time as he worked to meet officers demands and improve the training systems to better protect officers and the public.
“Like many organizations we have room for improvement and we welcome feedback,” Bryant said.
Bryant said resources have been stretched covering demonstrations and answering 9-1-1 calls, but officers are responding to calls and are doing everything they can to keep people safe. He said police will continue to work with peaceful demonstrators.
“We are sensitive to the protests, but our sensitivity will not allow lawlessness,” Bryant said.
The interim-chief also told officers they have the support of the mayor’s office and he said officers would get a chance to speak directly with Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Bryant said just nine officers have resigned but he wasn’t clear if there were more in the Human Resources pipeline.