Post Date: 09/06/2017 5:31 PM

Atlanta Police Department Public Affairs Unit

226 Peachtree Street, S.W., 5th Floor

Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Contact: Carlos Campos

Public Affairs Unit

(404) 546-4283

apdpublic-affairs@atlantaga.gov





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 6, 2017

Statement of Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields on Early Closure of Midtown Gay Bars/Restaurants on Labor Day Weekend

ATLANTA, GA - I’m disappointed with the decision by the Zone 5 morning watch commander to force four gay bars/restaurants in Midtown to close two hours early during Black Gay Pride weekend. While I do not believe the commander purposely set out to act in a discriminatory manner, his actions certainly gave that perception to bar owners, managers, and patrons. Our commanders and officers simply must show more sensitivity to the concerns of our diverse communities. There are several steps the morning watch commander could have taken to further investigate the concerns bar owners expressed that they had permission to stay open until 2:30 a.m. Those steps were not taken. As a result, I have made the decision to move this commander to another duty in another zone. We also must ensure that vital communications about matters such as extended bar hours are properly relayed to zone supervisors expected to enforce such ordinances. The diversity of its people is one of the City of Atlanta’s greatest strengths. Any perception that the Atlanta Police Department does not respect, and celebrate, that diversity must be dealt with swiftly.

###

Our mission is to create a safer Atlanta by reducing crime, ensuring the safety of our citizens and building trust in partnership with our communities.

www.atlantapd.org ~ twitter @Atlanta_Police ~ facebook.com/AtlantaPolice ~ youtube.com/AtlantaPoliceDpt