Is Atlanta safe?
High-profile crimes in Atlanta raise the question: Do you feel more or less safe here than elsewhere?
A report by the FBI concludes that cities were safer in 2008 but small towns weren’t. Nationwide, violent crime dropped 2.5 percent and property crime 1.6 percent, based on preliminary data. Murders fell by 4.3 percent in cities with more than 1 million people and by almost 8 percent in cities with populations of 500,000 to 1 million. Atlanta’s population in 2007 was estimated to be 519, 145.
Towns with fewer than 10,000 people saw increases. Murders were up 5.5 percent, rape 1.4 percent and robbery 3.9 percent.
Crime in the South declined by less than in most other regions of the country. Violent crimes were down 1.7 percent here and property crimes 0.1 percent. All other regions, except the Northeast, had bigger drops. In the Northeast, violent crimes dropped 1.4 percent and property crimes increased 1.6.
The recent spat of high-profile crimes, like those in the vicinity of Georgia Tech, raise the question: How safe is Atlanta? Much of the violent crime seems to fall between midnight and 4 a.m. when most of the city is sleeping.
A mayor’s race is upcoming. Crime is certain to be one of the issues. Does Atlanta need more cops? If so, would you as a resident or you as a visitor be willing to pay more in taxes to hire them?
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192 comments Add your comment
Churchill's MOM
June 2nd, 2009
6:52 am
Jim, the link from the home page is screwed up AGAIN……….
Lukas
June 2nd, 2009
7:27 am
With the recent murder in Piedmont Park and the nearby stabbing in midtown, I would say that traditionally safe neighborhoods in Atlanta are no longer safe.
Churchill's MOM
June 2nd, 2009
7:28 am
Jim our next President was in the news yesterday and you did not write about her. Do you want 4 more years
statement from Gov. Palin:
I feel sorrow for the Tiller family. I respect the sanctity of life and the tragedy that took place today in Kansas clearly violates respect for life. This murder also damages the positive message of life, for the unborn, and for those living. Ask yourself, ‘What will those who have not yet decided personally where they stand on this issue take away from today’s event in Kansas?’
Regardless of my strong objection to Dr. Tiller’s abortion practices, violence is never an answer in advancing the pro-life message.
*************Handel 2010*********Palin Mccain 2012*********************
Copyleft
June 2nd, 2009
8:02 am
Oh, if only more people were carrying guns! I know that more shootouts would make everyone feel safer downtown.
Aquagirl
June 2nd, 2009
8:12 am
It took a home invasion for Lisa Borders to see water, sanitation, and public safety as government fundamentals. That’s scarier than any crime statistics.
South Park school counselor
June 2nd, 2009
8:17 am
Crime is bad, mmmkay? You shouldn’t commit crimes. Because crimes are bad, mmmkay?
Peadawg
June 2nd, 2009
8:26 am
Simple answer: No!
That’s the reason I don’t even go to Braves or Falcons games. That’s the reason I went to UGA for a computer science degree instead of Ga Tech. Atlanta is one of the scariest, unsafe cities in the nation.
Road Scholar
June 2nd, 2009
8:28 am
Jim, It’s probably just as safe as the suburbs, with all the meth and pot labs, violence against children and spouses,child molestation etc.
JL
June 2nd, 2009
8:34 am
I agree with the others that say “no” (Atlanta is not safer).
I lock my doors and arm my alarm. I drive around scared (looking around for “questionable” people – who are everywhere).
Paranoia? Maybe. But as Pearl Jam’s band member, Georgia Tech students, and many many others have found, Atlanta is not safe. It is a tale of the “haves” and the “have-nots” – the latter of whom are angry and armed.
Paco
June 2nd, 2009
8:35 am
Atlanta is a dangerous town, bottom line. We live in Midtown and five houses on our street have be broken into in the past two years!! All the southside trash come into the city to cruise and cause problems. Atlantic Station is ghetto as can be too. This city is a mess.
Peter
June 2nd, 2009
8:41 am
America is a dangerous place to Live Jim………I have no clue why you even care………Go start a WAR someplace, and forget about this issue……….Then blame the lack of Cops, totally forgetting Violence starts from the Top……and people get Rich because of it.
Indie
June 2nd, 2009
8:49 am
Um…Ok so…looking to move to Atlanta…are there any parts that are safe? Someone help me…what areas are good and what areas are bad?
Truth2009
June 2nd, 2009
8:51 am
And to think…. some liberals are SO dumb theve brainwashed americas youth to believe whites are just as violent as minorities.
Copyleft
June 2nd, 2009
8:53 am
“So dumb that they’ve brainwashed America’s youth?” That doesn’t even make sense! You have to be SMART to conduct a successful brainwashing campmaign, “Truth.”
Truth2009
June 2nd, 2009
8:53 am
And by minorities, i dont mean asians or arabs.
Indie: move to the northside or the westside out past 6 flags. Look in Austell/ Douglasville area. The blacks havent totally taken over here like they have Decatur/Clayton counties.
Ga Values
June 2nd, 2009
8:55 am
There must not be a crime problem in Atlanta because the mayor hired a fool for chief and is always trying to run off police officers. My wife refuses to shop in Atlanta, last time she went to Lenox she said it was full of thugs just waiting for her to drop her guard. The Pink Pony is safe, I just carry my .38 with me in case.
billy bob
June 2nd, 2009
8:59 am
Sure it’s safe as long as you keep a safe distance from the Y.B.M’s…
Redneck Convert
June 2nd, 2009
8:59 am
Well, we could do without more taxes and make Atlanta safer if everyone was made to get a carry permit. The thugs know people don’t carry guns so they just run wild robbing and beating people up. Atlanta needs to be like Kennesaw. Just pass a law that makes everybody own a gun. Heck, with all the lightweight stuff they make nowadays they could make guns that weighed so little even the kids could carry one. I bet the thugs would think twice if they come across a fambly and tried to rob them and everybody in the fambly pulled out a gun and started blasting away. It would even save us all the money we have to spend on Death Penalty cases. Just blam! Instant Death Penalty.
Anyhow, it serves this Atlanta big-shot right her house got broke into. She probly wasted alot of time trying to get our guns took away from us. Maybe she’ll start packing heat now.
That’s my opinion and it’s very true. Have a good day everybody.
Truth2009
June 2nd, 2009
9:00 am
Fayette is another area the blacks havent affected…. YET
And you know what im talking about copyleft…..typical liberal….. someone speaks some truth, and yall wanna deflect away from it any way possible. Ive personally survived carjackings, set up attempts, robberies…. and EVERY time it was a black male. Yea i like blacks alright, its just a shame half of the black youth (under 35) are screwed up in the head because of their violent music culture.
White people need to stop buying into all this “white guilt’ BS that helps to feed blacks violence and laziness.
I see people from Africa come here and make it within a generation! Why didnt the white man hold THEM down!??
Just
June 2nd, 2009
9:00 am
Altanta has more employees per resident than most, if not all major cities in America. Instead of cutting the fat, Atlanta cuts police, fire fighting, parks. Stupid. Atlanta needs someone to cut where needed.
THE TRUTH
June 2nd, 2009
9:00 am
If you get an email titled “nude photos of Sarah Palin,” don’t open it.
It could contain a virus.
If you get an email titled “nude photos of Nancy Pelosi,” don’t open it.
It could contain nude photos of Nancy Pelosi.
Boots
June 2nd, 2009
9:02 am
I have had some mighty good bourbon and other substances to lift one’s spirit; but nothing I’ve ever consumed has made me as delusional as what Churchill’s Mom is imbibing.
Peadawg
June 2nd, 2009
9:03 am
THE TRUTH,
Thanks jerk…I just spit out my coffee, lol! That was hilarious!!!
Ga Values
June 2nd, 2009
9:07 am
billy bob 8:59 am
Where is the list of Georgia Republicans that are CONSERVATIVES?
@@
June 2nd, 2009
9:08 am
Until we return to a mindset where life and property are seen as inviolable rights, (Helloooo Obama) it’ll get progressively worse, Jim.
Do I feel safe in Atlanta?
As safe as I feel anywhere.
I’ve perfected a swagger that deters the seedier elements and thus far hasn’t attracted anyone of the same sex or opposite sex for that matter.
I’m good to go.
Gunslinger
June 2nd, 2009
9:08 am
Do you really have to ask this question? We read your rag, we listen to “news at 6,” we are informed. We know to travel to the ATL at our own peril. I have personally witnessed a shooting in a restaurant at Atlantic Station; have had a friend murdered by a MARTA predator outside the station at Lenox; heard of the visiting surgeon gunned down at the Five Points station; etc.
Is Atlanta safe?
HELL NO!
ATL is the “black Meccah,” the “hip-hop capital of the world.”
What do you expect?
Rickster
June 2nd, 2009
9:11 am
The last time I walked freely in downtown Atlanta was the summer of 1996. The Olympics were starting and security was everywhere. I walked from City Hall to the stadium and watched from outside as the torch was lit.
And then came the bombing at Centennial Olympic Park.
Truth2009
June 2nd, 2009
9:12 am
usually when a violent crime happens you dont have much of a chance to grab a gun…. the criminals have the edge of surprise. I used my head to get out of every situation…. stay calm….. that’s the best advice i can give.
And just know that you just cant trust alot of (y.b.m) like you can other races! sad but true! Walk around with your head up, and act like you know where your going and what your doing….. human predators, just like animal predators… like to pick off the weak and confused.
HUH?
June 2nd, 2009
9:16 am
“Fayette is another area the blacks havent affected…. YET”
North Fayette is neighbor to CC’s Riverdale. Ask any Fayette County law enforcement officer and they’ll tell you what the local government doesn’t. There’s plenty of crime in Fayette. The Pavillion on Hwy 85 should be avoided after sunset.
findog
June 2nd, 2009
9:20 am
I was robbed at the OMNI once at gunpoint in an overnight ticket line for Boston in 1978. It was my fault for making myself an easy target but at least he didn’t get much. I’d look at random crime as opposed to opportunity crime before making a case for safety in Atlanta. The ATL is a lot safer than it was in the late 80’s, early 90’s when CIA supplied crack was killing the children’s. Today I do not think a riot would get out of hand like the Rodney King fiasco at the CNN Center…
glad to see aquagirl’s back
Pissed off
June 2nd, 2009
9:21 am
Truth2009, it is time for you to shut up lying. “YBM” are not to be trusted as much as all white people who since conception have raped, killed and stolen from people of color all over the world.
The truth is no where in the world is safe. I’ve lived in Decatur, all of my life, but only when I lived in a white area of it (Oakhurst Village) was I ever a victim of crime-nothing but a sicko peeping tom whitey who loves to look at a black woman.
Get Real
June 2nd, 2009
9:22 am
Aquagirl @ 8:12 is wrong. If there is anyone that didn’t think public safety was an issue, its the Atlanta City Council who reduced property taxes last year (Mary Norwood), and the Mayor in turn furloughed the police because of it so blame them. Borders only votes in cases of a tie. And its nice to see all the racists up early this morning blaming blacks for all the crime. I do think the guy that kidnapped the woman off the street and took her to TN was white, but don’t let facts get in the way. What about all the young drunk drivers getting in cars killing people? I won’t even go into meth labs.
For rational people, crime has no color and whomever is elected mayor should sufficiently address public safety, which includes adding more firefighters. If EVERYONE would join together and put pressure on the candidates to address these issues, then something will happen.
party pooper
June 2nd, 2009
9:27 am
all white people cant be trusted? that makes you a racist
Typical Liberal
June 2nd, 2009
9:27 am
yall are all racist, dont u know white areas are JUST as bad as black gettos? Blacks only commit more crime in atlanta because theres MORE black people… duh!
Dont you know blacks only commit crimes because de white man be holden em down? In fact i think blacks should take over govt… then der would be no mo cracka racism! Just look at how good dats worked out for South Africa!!
Atlanta Native
June 2nd, 2009
9:27 am
Atlanta IS safe BUT it depends on the metropolitan area. Buckhead and Midtown is in Atlanta and so is West End and Greenbriar. Would I like to live in Buckhead and Midtown? Sure! The public school system is competitive and the area encompasses a better way of life. As far as West End, Bankhead, Lakewood, Campbelton Road, Oakland City and Greenbriar? I plead the fifth!
Boots
June 2nd, 2009
9:28 am
Aquagirl, well, I guess I’m safe then. Anyway, he probably can’t shoot any better than he can spell.
Big Bucks GOP doing the Lords work
June 2nd, 2009
9:30 am
Delphi, the bankrupt auto-parts supplier spun off from General Motors,
has agreed to sell most of its assets to Platinum Equity, a private
equity firm specializing in distressed companies.
Truth2009
June 2nd, 2009
9:33 am
Why dont black women keep standing up for black men so much? Face it, you know whites are more trustworthy! Your men beat/abuse you so bad that Femicide is one of the top killers of AA women!
Your men have such low morals they live lives on the DL and catch AIDS…then claim to NOT be gay and spread it to your women. In fact most of the prison rapes are black on whites. Cant black men just beat off in prison like everyone else? whats their obsession with other dudes bootie holes??
AA Women are now the heads of most black households, and churches. Black men have done nothing for you except lead you into fatherless kids, poverty, and rampant STD’s
Mark in mid-town
June 2nd, 2009
9:34 am
Let’s not exaggerate things. Atlantic Station is not as “ghetto as can be”. It’s mostly a nice place with incredible potential, though it’s certainly not the panacea many thought it would be when they plopped down large amounts of money to buy condos and townhomes there. While there are substantial crime problems in Atlanta city limits, it’s not as dangerous a city as it was a few decades ago, nor are the suburbs nearly as crime free as they used to be either. The underclass is not as segregated or isolated as it used to be. This has led to overall lower crime rates, but a much much larger foot-print on which violent crimes occur. That has led to people feeling less safe overall because there is no place to run. So there is a real crime problem that needs to be dealt with since there is no running away from the problem anymore. With specific regard to Atlanta area — over the past decade the quality of life within the city limits has greatly increased, while the quality of life in the suburbs surrounding Atlanta has mostly decreased. I suspect this trend will continue.
Truth2009
June 2nd, 2009
9:34 am
I ment why “do” gluck to all, regardless of race.
Big Bucks GOP doing the Lords work
June 2nd, 2009
9:34 am
Citigroup told about five former top executives that they would not be
paid tens of millions of dollars in promised severance payouts,
Nathan
June 2nd, 2009
9:35 am
Truth2009,
Your comments make me really sad. What’s even worse is that someone like yourself probably uses the terms “race card and race baiter” excessively. But you comments tell it all that you are exactly that. People now talk about this “reverse racism” but it all seems to be not very valid. In other words, I’m supposed to play dumb any time situations that involve racism occur and believe that it is all coincidental. As an African-American male, all of us are not stupid, ignorant and thugs. The media just likes to portray us that way. The fact is, and I GUARANTEE, if you had the actual statistics, white people committ just as much crime and blacks across the country. Your truth is very twisted just like a lot of other folks who talk about “reverse racism.” There are racist people on BOTH sides. Your comments also seem to reflect an idea that white people are better and more responsible human beings compared to blacks. What a sad generalization! I hope that whatever offenses that have come to you can be healed in your lifetime. Otherwise, you will continue to live under a false truth.
RetLTC
June 2nd, 2009
9:35 am
You gotta pay to play.
Big Bucks GOP doing the Lords work
June 2nd, 2009
9:39 am
JPMorgan Chase and American Express announced plans Monday to sell a
combined $5.5 billion of common stock, hoping to position themselves to
quickly repay funds from the government’s bank bailout plan.
Big Bucks GOP doing the Lords work
June 2nd, 2009
9:43 am
A former executive of the Enron’s broadband unit pleaded guilty Monday,
declining to face another trial in his longstanding case.
JohnF
June 2nd, 2009
9:43 am
The issue in Atlanta is not so much about race (although it is to some degree), but more about age. Just about all of the violent crimes have been committed by teenagers. Atlanta could enforce an under-18 curfew (seriously enforce it that is) and the perception of violence in Atlanta would change..because those cowardly punks could now be arrested just for being visible, instead of having to wait until they actually commit a crime (and hopefully catch them). But this administration hasn’t the guts to do that.
Pissed off
June 2nd, 2009
9:44 am
Is it any wonder blacks are racists too? What an ignorant, uneducated piece of poor white trash you are Truth2009.
Big Bucks GOP doing the Lords work
June 2nd, 2009
9:44 am
A federal jury found Kmart’s former chief executive, Charles C.
Conaway, liable on Monday for misleading investors about the company’s
cash crisis in the months before its 2002 bankruptcy.
Big Bucks GOP doing the Lords work
June 2nd, 2009
9:45 am
H. David Kotz, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s inspector
general, expects in August to conclude his investigation into how the
agency failed to uncover Bernard L. Madoff’s $65 billion Ponzi scheme
despite numerous warning signs.
Big Bucks GOP doing the Lords work
June 2nd, 2009
9:47 am
The highest court in California ruled Monday that Bank of America need
not pay a potential $1 billion in compensation to customers who claimed
the bank illegally raided Social Security benefits to collect fees,
C B Rosser
June 2nd, 2009
9:47 am
I was raised in Home Park/Water Works areas in the 40’s & 50’s, and Atlanta was a beautiful place to grow up–walk to school, ride the bus to town or the Techwood Theatre on Saturdays, play in the woods, ride our bikes plus so much more. It makes me want to cry when I hear what’s been happening for so long now. We live near Chattanooga and no longer go to Atlanta for any reason. Just not worth taking a chance.
stinger
June 2nd, 2009
9:48 am
Nathan, whites may commit just as much crime, but look at the number of whites vs. blacks. Somehow I still doubt your comment holds true.
GEC
June 2nd, 2009
9:48 am
I actually believe that Atlanta has always been unsafe, and I don’t think the amount of violent crime has changed. However, the sheer brazenness of recent criminal acts is what is startling. These Atlanta criminals and thugs are getting more and more bold. There’s also a lot of drug money floating around this city too which explains all of the white t-shirts wearing thugs that drive flashy cars.
TI
June 2nd, 2009
9:50 am
The fiscal expressions on out of towner’s visiting Atlantic Station for the first time on the weekend at night = Priceless!
Turd Ferguson
June 2nd, 2009
9:54 am
I grew up here also…its a shame what Atlanta has become and people wonder why Atl is so “spread-out.”
Atlanta…the Great Cesspool of the South.
John Cena
June 2nd, 2009
9:54 am
Is Atlanta safe?
[ EXPLETIVE ] NO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Truth2009
June 2nd, 2009
9:55 am
Nathan: is that why even the most dangerous parts of Canada and England is the black areas? Face it, you have a computer and can spell. Obviously your not the type of YBM im talking about. Unfortunately, alot more want to be like 50 cent than wanna be like Obama.
I do agree tho, its the greedy jews at the top that run the record labels and control the media that make sure your music is “dumbed down” unfortunately this affects ALL races as violent crime can happen to anyone. Even Louis Farrakan talks about this.
I do believe blacks can “rise up”, but they have to admit there’s a problem with the music industry first…and stop making excuses. Only blacks can do it, because we all know any whites that come together against the violent music culture will be labeled “racist”
reservoirDAWG
June 2nd, 2009
9:57 am
Atlanta is as safe as any other metropolitan area if you pay attention to your surroundings.
MountainDawg
June 2nd, 2009
9:58 am
Most all big cities are not “safe” (per se), depending on what area you’re in. I rarely go down to Atlanta (save for taking the kids to the Zoo, Aquarium or MonsterJam once in a blue moon). One needs to have some degree of “street smarts” & constantly be aware of his/her surroundings. My motto(s) are expect/prepare for the worst & hope/pray for the best & “DTA”. Unfortunately, far too many (well meaning) folks wear “rose colored classes” & keep their guard down (or have no “guard” at all). Naivety can be a fatal flaw in the streets!
In the way of self defense, it’s not (just) about carrying a weapon (be it a firearm, mace, etc.), but knowing how to use it properly/effectively/quickly AND having the willingness to use it (without hessitation…if the situation calls for it). Discernment is also key in self-defense. Staying out of (obviously) “bad” areas & situation is key.
Fyi, for those wary of carrying weapon(s), Krav Maga, JKD & Wing Chun are a good, practical martial arts for street defense. Bottom line, one must have the willingness to utilize self-defense (with the discernment of when it’s appropriate). If you hessitate/stall in the moment of truth, then you’ll become a quick victim/crime stat!
Ben
June 2nd, 2009
9:58 am
The open racism in some of these repsonses is shameful. There has never been a shred of proof of some fictitious link between crime and race. There HAS been a link between poverty and race and since we’re currently enduring one of the worst economic stretches in our countries history, I can safely say that that is a big reason for the rise in crime. Although Wooten’s blog shows stats crime has dropped, I know what I see and hear and and what I see and hear is a lot more people being robbed, burglarized, or murdered. My bigger issue is the Atlanta Police Dept. They are either incompetent or underfunded and undermanned. I had a friend recently have their car stolen right in front of their house and they wouldn’t even come out to fill out a report on it. They made her do it over the phone and essentiall said “tough break kid”. Combine that with the recent rash of off duty police officers actions (cop shooint an unarmed man, and the officers firing guns at Lake Lanier) and I have serious issues with the APD.
c
June 2nd, 2009
9:59 am
I live in Midtown. I have recently paid more attention to my neighborhood and my surroundings since the Ga Tech incident; however, the main problem is people are forfeiting their neighborhoods to these thugs.
It is time that Atlanta says enough. These are our streets and homes and if a business starts bringing in the people…. get organized and get the business out of there. We make it way to comfortable for these thugs to come take our homes, lives, and security.
I say, hire the extra cops and target them to specific spots and times. Let more homeowners have concealed weapons. Heck, we are the ones paying the extra taxes anyway. Most important, take pride in your neighborhood and not surrender it.
Aquagirl
June 2nd, 2009
10:01 am
Truth @ 9:33, sounds like you know more about prison rape than we do. Would you like to share with the group?
findog, @ 9:20 thanks, since THE Captain passed, I have been battling deep depression. This blog lost all its macho manly man-ness.
Ben
June 2nd, 2009
10:02 am
I’m sorry. My comments should have said “poverty and crime”. Apologies.
Atlanta1
June 2nd, 2009
10:03 am
Regardless of what anyone says. The primary offenders of crime are typically low class individuals. In Atlanta this demographic is predominantly young black males. Yes there are cases where you hear of a white person committing a crime such as rape or theft. But it is not anywhere as common as crimes by black males. Its not a personal opinion FBI statistics show this. I can certainly see how law abiding black citizens are offended by comments on here toward blacks. But college educated law abiding blacks should not put themselves in the same category as the thug criminals. Society has failed on these people who commit these crimes. I wish that Atlanta area law enforcement would do what NYPD did and have stiffer penalties for petty crime because petty crime offenders are typically the ones who end up performing violent crimes as well.
Greg H.
June 2nd, 2009
10:05 am
If it were a simple matter of staying indoors from 12-4am, that’s doable. Most of us who aren’t young don’t feel the need to roam around or party during those hours anymore, much less walk the streets at those hours. But the crimes in question are NOT limited to those hours and conditions. Thugs from the City are driving their SUVs to all corners of the City and Suburbs and bursting into people’s homes during hours when they know someone is home, brandishing guns and taking what they want. They are robbing able-bodied groups of college boys at gunpoint in broad daylight on busy streets. Regardless of whether some types of crimes have dropped, the fact is, blatant violent robberies have increased, and there’s new class of thug in the area now. More cops will help, but unless these people are faced with “life without parole” types of punishments, they are not really deterred from doing it over and over.
Gunslinger
June 2nd, 2009
10:08 am
The face of violent crime in Atlanta is black.
Officer Rivieri
June 2nd, 2009
10:11 am
Violent crime has only gone down in Atlanta over the past two years because of MICHAEL VICK being in federal prison and the bulk of his followers no longer skulking around *The A T L* during his absence and having to go “keep it real” somewhere else..
Wonder why the crowds at Falcons games at the Georgia Dome have been SO much more polite, respectful, law-abiding, well-groomed, well-mannered and actually focused on football these past two seasons, especially in stark contrast to the previous 5 seasons? The absence of Vick and his legion of brain-dead, uneducated, ill-mannered, foul-mouthed thug followers is the reason why.
Finally, we can take our families down to the Georgia Dome on Sundays again in relative safety.
No Vick, KNOW Peace!
A T L, yo !
Dark Knight
June 2nd, 2009
10:13 am
What do you expect people, this is a major city!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What major city does not have crime, please name one. This isnt Mayberry anymore, and it actually never was as I remember crime being allot worse in Atlanta back in the 80’s. Everyone on here is all up in arms about the “blacks from the west and southside”, but you should be worried about the Gulf and Sinolia Cartels who have made ATL their HQ in recent years. The Cartels have enough fire power to go tit for tat with law enforcement, they are the ones you redneck idiots should be afraid of. Organized drug gangs are the real plauge of this city- organizations like the Gulf Cartel, BMF, MDC, and the Sinolia Cartel are not the thugs you see standing on corners with white tee-shirts on. They live next door to you in 500K+ subdivisions, and drive Mazaratis and BMW’s. You idiots are missing the forest for the trees.
SteveO
June 2nd, 2009
10:17 am
It’s as safe as any other large US city. Pay attention to your surroundings, don’t try to look rich, and keep a low profile. You should be fine.
At this point, I feel safer in most of Atlanta than I do in Gwinnett. Now that place has completely gone to hell. When gas goes up again, the inner ring suburbs are going to look like the immigrant banliueus of France.
Jackie
June 2nd, 2009
10:19 am
Department of Justice statistics show that crime in urban areas has been declining since the 1990’s. When one uses raw statics showing the level of crime, blacks will show a disproportionate level of crime.
Looking at crime deeper, most crime is local. Blacks commit crimes against other blacks and usually within their own neighborhoods. Same can be said about whites.
Atlanta has become a major hub for drugs in the Southeast USA. The city of Atlanta has one of the highest concentration of poverty in the USA. Given these small set of statistics, one could logically conclude that Atlanta is caught by forces that fuel crime. We can not dismiss the crime in the ‘burbs, as those crimes are just as pervasive as those in Atlanta proper.
Greg H.
June 2nd, 2009
10:20 am
Dark Knight – I’ve lived in Atlanta since 1984… yes, it’s a large city and large cities have crime. But it’s the TYPE of crime we are getting now that’s troublesome. No, it’s NOT normal for a gang of teens with AK47s to burst into your home at 7am or 9pm and home invade your family. It’s not normal for armed robbers to go after groups of people in broad daylight. That’s something you used to only see in the worst slums of Detroit or New Orleans, NOT here. Now they’re here. As long as Queen Shirley and her “pet” Pennington are here, it will only get worse, too. Yes, every city has crime. Ours is reaching the point of being beyond control regarding violent types of crimes if something isn’t done soon, though.
GP
June 2nd, 2009
10:20 am
No, Atlanta is not safe (duh?). Yes, we need more cops that will require more cash (duh?). But……
Do not approve tax hikes until we have a government that you can trust to spend it appropriately/efficiently.
For now, invest heavily in your local security patrols – then you know you’re cash is going directly to more police in your hood. Most decent in-town hoods have a patrol. If your hood doesn’t, then start one – APD officers love the cash.
William
June 2nd, 2009
10:21 am
Man i wonder how it feels to walk around terrified all the time. Can most of you inbreed hillbillies tell the difference between a Highschool varsity basketball team and what you deem to be a “thug”. Probably not if they both have the same skin color, huh? Better clutch your purse either way to be safe and lock your door on your car discretely when those crazy thugs walk by. I bet half of you don’t make it inside of the Perimeter much or probably couldn’t take Marta to the Airport if your life depended on it.
reservoirDAWG
June 2nd, 2009
10:24 am
I wouldn’t take MARTA to the airport. Not because I’m afraid, but because it is a POS.
Chris
June 2nd, 2009
10:25 am
ARE YOU KIDDING? YOU ARE ASKING IF ATLANTA IS SAFE? YOU CAN’T GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT WORRYING NOW! BUCKHEAD AND THE HIGHLANDS ARE NOW EVEN BEING INVATED BY THE THUGS. THEY ALREADY SCREWED UP ATLANTIC STATION. THAT DIDN’T TAKE LONG. YOU CAN CALL ME RACIST IF YOU WANT BUT I AM ONLY SPEAKING THE TRUTH. 99% OF THE VIOLENT CRIME IN THIS PATHETIC CITY IS CAUSED BY BLACK THUGS. WHY DO THEY DO THIS?????????????? WHEN ATLANTA WAS MOSTLY WHITE BACK IN THE 60′S AND 70′S, THERE WAS HARDLY ANY CRIME.
sd
June 2nd, 2009
10:27 am
Jim, go search the ajc archives for random dates over the past 25 years. Are there more or less stories about violence in atlanta?
You have the resources to effectively answer your own question.
I have felt unsafe one time in my 100’s of times walking downtown. Turned out my fear was unwarranted then too.
I live by the basic rule that if someone presents an air about themselves that they are someone not to be messed with, I don’t mess with them. And I carry that same air about myself.
Basically, if there were 5 people standing around downtown and you were going to choose one to rob, it probably wouldn’t be me.
Remember, if the lion starts to chase me and you, you don’t have to be faster than the lion, you just have to be faster than me.
dave
June 2nd, 2009
10:28 am
William
“Man i wonder how it feels to walk around terrified all the time. Can most of you inbreed hillbillies tell the difference between a Highschool varsity basketball team and what you deem to be a “thug”.
I think you hit the nail on the head, No I can’t tell the difference, can you?
Greg H.
June 2nd, 2009
10:28 am
William, you are a PRIME example of an angry black man who points the finger of racism at anyone who brings up a legit problem. Sad. Almost as bad as the crimes.
Chris
June 2nd, 2009
10:32 am
TO “EVIL REPUBLICANS TIME IS UP.” Don’t be angry that we have everything and you have nothing. No worries, you will be dead, or in jail, within a year. Now go steal something.
Corey
June 2nd, 2009
10:32 am
“I wish that Atlanta area law enforcement would do what NYPD did and have stiffer penalties for petty crime because petty crime offenders”
Atlanta1, law enforcement does not set penalties. Law makers do. However, law enforcement can be more aggresive enforcing petty crime laws. But where would you put these petty criminals? The jails already have standing room only.
clyde
June 2nd, 2009
10:33 am
I would also be a little cautious about the police in Atlanta if I were ever to go there.
C.H.
June 2nd, 2009
10:33 am
Raise taxes on EVERY RESIDENT in the city. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Let those who can afford to, live here.
Force the plague to descend on some other unsuspecting (see librall) city.
NIMBY rules!
reservoirDAWG
June 2nd, 2009
10:34 am
I sure am glad I live in a nice area in South Forsyth.
White flight
June 2nd, 2009
10:34 am
FBI crime statistic say crime is down in the cities but up in the suburbs. The city of Atlanta moved as many project as they could to the rurla areas (techwood homes, etc) to rid themselves of crime. I guess they did not send enough of thier unwanted out? Maybe they need to fastrack the beltway project so criminals can have better access to rural prey. Only deaths in the city matter of course. Checked Loganvillle in the last few days? Murder, robbery, murder, break-in. It is politically incorrect but Crime follows certain cultures, even those from those cultures who succeed, try to remove themselves for thier own “kind” to not become prey themselves.
GP
June 2nd, 2009
10:37 am
C.H. – I agree with you – then I look at who we’d be giving all that cash to. Not yet, but maybe soon.
Whipkey
June 2nd, 2009
10:37 am
It’s amazing how conservative whites are driven by fear. The sad part is that they probably don’t actually know any Black people and really fear television imagery. How shallow is that.
EVIL REPUBLICANS TIME IS UP
June 2nd, 2009
10:40 am
IT`S FUNNY HOW THE MEDIA COVERS UP CRIME IN THESE REDNECK SPOTS BUT PLACE THE BLAME ON THE BLACKS.
SEE WHITE PEOPLE THAT`S WHY THE WHITEMAN WAS ABLE TO KIDNAP THAT WHITEWOMAN IN TENNESSEE IN THAT LOGCABIN,CAUSE YOU ARE PROGRAM TO THINK ONLY BLACKS COMMIT CRIMES,YES BLACKS ROB STEAL CARJACK.
BUT WHITEMEN KIDNAP WHITEKIDS AND CUT THEIR HEADS OFF,WHITEWOMEN DROWN THEIR 5 KIDS,WHITES DO SATANIC WORSHIP WITH HUMAN SACRIFICES,ERIC DAHMER ATE OVER 20 HUMAN BEINGS,WHITE TEACHERS SLEEP WITH UNDERAGE TEENS,WHITEBOYS DRIVE AROUND WITH MOBILE CRYSTAL METH LABS,I CAN GO ON FOREVER,CAUSE YOU EVIL WHITES SHOW ME WHY
NORTH KOREA AND IRAN ALONG WITH CHINA ARMY ARE ARMING UP FOR YOU RACIST CRACKERS,THAT`S WHY NORTH KOREA SET OFF A NUCLEAR BOMB,WHILE YOU HICKS ARE WATCHING THE POOR LITTLE BLACK THUGS,THE ASIAN THUGS ARE GETTING READY FOR REVENGE.
Peadawg
June 2nd, 2009
10:42 am
EVIL REPUBLICANS, don’t forget Mike Vick and all his black buddies who killed dogs, and the black woman who put her kid in a frigin oven a few months ago. And the all single black women who have 3 babies w/ 3 different babies daddies.
Che was a homicidal maniac
June 2nd, 2009
10:45 am
More proof that Obama Hussein has no clue as to what he’s doing. We’re all going to pay the price for this community organizers lack of experience in the real world.
Obama says Iran’s energy concerns legitimate
LONDON — President Barack Obama suggested that Iran may have some right to nuclear energy _ provided it proves by the end of the year that its aspirations are peaceful.
In a BBC interview broadcast Tuesday, he also restated plans to pursue direct diplomacy with Tehran to encourage it set aside any ambitions for nuclear weapons it might harbor.
Iran has insisted its nuclear program is aimed at generating electricity. But the U.S. and other Western governments accuse Tehran of seeking atomic weapons.
“What I do believe is that Iran has legitimate energy concerns, legitimate aspirations,” Obama said, adding that the international community also “has a very real interest” in preventing a nuclear arms race.
The president has indicated a willingness to seek deeper international sanctions against Tehran if it does not respond positively to U.S. attempts to open negotiations on its nuclear program. Obama has said Tehran has until the end of the year to show it wants to engage with Washington.
“Although I don’t want to put artificial time tables on that process, we do want to make sure that, by the end of this year, we’ve actually seen a serious process move forward. And I think that we can measure whether or not the Iranians are serious,” Obama said.
Obama’s interview offered a preview of a speech he is to deliver in Egypt this week, saying he hoped the address would warm relations between Americans and Muslims abroad.
“What we want to do is open a dialogue,” Obama told the BBC. “You know, there are misapprehensions about the West, on the part of the Muslim world. And, obviously, there are some big misapprehensions about the Muslim world when it comes to those of us in the West.”
Obama leaves in the evening on a trip to Egypt and Saudi Arabia aimed at reaching out to the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims. He is due to make his speech in Cairo on Thursday.
Obama sounded an optimistic note about making progress toward resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, although he offered no new ideas for how he might try to secure a freeze on new building of Israeli settlements. The United States has called for a freeze, but Israeli leaders have rejected that.
Asked what he would say during his visit about human rights abuses, including the detention of political prisoners in Egypt, Obama indicated no stern lecture would be forthcoming.
He said he hoped to deliver the message that democratic values are principles that “they can embrace and affirm.”
Obama added that there is a danger “when the United States, or any country, thinks that we can simply impose these values on another country with a different history and a different culture.”
Atlanta Native
June 2nd, 2009
10:45 am
I don’t believe the cause of high crime areas should be blamed on the “thugs” alone. Government officials determine which areas are less desirable. If your neighborhood is generating high tax revenues for the city, you will be compensated with higher appraised values (and possibly tax breaks) and ample police presence. So, if you can pay, you will be protected.
Dark Knight
June 2nd, 2009
10:45 am
@Jimbo Slice
Why dont you people have the gonads to say that type of stuff in someones face?????
@Peadawg
Dont take it there my friend, people of your ilk take the cake for doing the crazy stuff.
Che was a homicidal maniac
June 2nd, 2009
10:46 am
EVIL REPUBLICANS TIME IS UP, before you call another person stupid please try and use spell check before posting your rants.
Chris
June 2nd, 2009
10:48 am
Don’t worry about “Evil Republicans.” He will end up dead or in jail sometime soon. That’s what thugs are best at!
stinger
June 2nd, 2009
10:50 am
Let’s ship all the disgruntled blacks back to Africa. Oh wait, from my experice there the Africans are embarrassed by them.
williebkind
June 2nd, 2009
10:51 am
Coppyleft: If there were more shootouts, there would be less people out! Therefore less crime on the streets. Hey, the end justifies the means…ask any liberal.
EVIL REPUBLICANS TIME IS UP
June 2nd, 2009
10:54 am
NO MATTER WHAT LIES YOU REDNECKS SAY ON THIS BLOG YOUR WOMEN KNOW THAT YOU ARE A COWARD,AND NO I WANT BE IN JAIL OR DEAD CAUSE I`M RIDING WITH GOD YOU SATANIC EVIL DEVIL WORSHIPPING CRACKERS
reservoirDAWG
June 2nd, 2009
10:55 am
Evil, I hope you are wrong because your savior Barry Obama would probably just step aside.
Dark Knight
June 2nd, 2009
10:55 am
Greg H
I was born and bred in Atlanta, in between SW (Oakland City) and what is now considered West Midtown, so its safe to say that I have a slightly better perception than you in regards to Atlanta crime then and now. You say crime has gotten worse, well I say it has gotten better. Groups of armed teenagers with AK-47’s roaming around is nothing new, as I remember the drug wars in the cities numerous housing projcts at the time that plauged the city thru out the late 80’s and early 90’s. I remember Atlanta playing musical chairs for the distinction of the murder capitol with Washington DC, and Detroit in the 80’s, I remember the missing and murdered children era in the early 80’s, all of which trump any amount of robberies and murders that go on now. The only difference is that the violence is spread out amongst the whole metro area, not just ITP. But overall IMO its much better.
Che was a homicidal maniac
June 2nd, 2009
10:55 am
EVIL REPUBLICANS TIME IS UP, are you mentally retarded?
FACT: Iran and the rest of the middle east hate gay people. They will be the first to die. Followed by godless liberals who claim to be all-powerful.
You’ll be Bin Ladens gimp.
Che was a homicidal maniac
June 2nd, 2009
10:55 am
Copyleft is an active member of the KKK.
EVIL REPUBLICANS TIME IS UP is a member of NAMBLA.