Residents can monitor repeat offender cases with Fulton County's Court Watch program
Atlanta city leaders launch Community Court Watch program to take action on crime in the city
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, and more city officials took to the stand to introduce the new Community Court Watch program as a way to combat crime and allow residents to monitor repeat offenders in cases.
ATLANTA - Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis are confident a new program will be a meaningful step to fighting crime in the city.
City and county officials announced the kickoff of a new community court watch program. It will put trained members of the public into court proceedings. Those people would track bond decisions, sentences, and other outcomes specifically for repeat offenders. Interested residents can apply online.
Willis said citizens can sign up to be members of "Court Watch," to see proceedings in person or on live video. Dickens said the program is about accountability and ensuring there are appropriate consequences for repeat offenders.
"If we want to increase public trust in the system, there must be high expectations for everybody involved in the process," Dickens said. "Court Watch is not designed to persecute anyone but those responsible for violent acts."
Atlanta mayor, police chief, Fulton County DA on new crime prevention tactics
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Atlanta's interim police chief provide details on their crime prevention programs.
The press conference at the courthouse will discuss ongoing efforts to fight crime in Atlanta. Interim Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum also took the podium.
About two weeks ago, city leaders announced increased visibility as part of a summer safety plan. The city also launched a summer youth employment program to provide 3,000 jobs for 14 to 24-year-olds.
Crime in Atlanta continues to trend upward according to Atlanta police data. Compared to last year, homicides increased by 14%, rapes increased 16% and aggravated assaults increased 9%.
How to sign up for Fulton County 'Court Watch'
Fill out an application at Courtwatchatl.org.
Applicants provide their name, address, contact info and answers to some general questions.
"Volunteers will be trained on the Criminal Justice System, and will closely monitor court cases to ensure a productive judicial performance is being served," the website says.