Public safety

Evidence timeline

Where statements meet the record.

1. Occurred Nov 3, 2021

   official action

   Keisha Lance Bottoms: Matches stated direction

   Her campaign says she would expand diversion and treatment for people in nonviolent cases. Her FY21 budget, passed in June 2020, expanded the city's pretrial diversion program citywide, the city's reform site says. By July 2021, police in every zone could send people to the Policing Alternatives and Diversion program instead of jail. On Nov. 1, 2021, the council authorized her to sign a deal with Fulton County for a diversion center, which she said would help people charged with minor, non-violent offenses. Limit: The city pages read here do not show her signing the county deal. Ground was broken on the center in April 2023, after she left office.

   Keisha for Governor City of Atlanta, One Atlanta criminal justice reform site City of Atlanta, One Atlanta criminal justice reform site Atlanta City Council, Council Communications Fulton County Government
2. Occurred Nov 18, 2020

   official action

   Keisha Lance Bottoms: Matches stated record claim

   Her campaign says she brought in leading civil rights attorneys and policing experts to advise the Atlanta police on use of force and de-escalation. In June 2020 she set up a use-of-force advisory council by administrative order and ordered new police rules, including de-escalation. The council's report says its members included lawyers, with co-chairs from Gideon's Promise and the Southern Center for Human Rights. On Nov. 18, 2020, she announced the city had retained the Police Executive Research Forum to review police policy and training. Limit: Her August 2020 orders acted on 16 of the council's 33 recommendations.

   Keisha for Governor City of Atlanta, One Atlanta criminal justice reform site City of Atlanta, One Atlanta criminal justice reform site City of Atlanta, Mayor's Office of Communications City of Atlanta City of Atlanta, Mayor's Office of Communications