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Frequently Asked Questions
The relationship between the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the community has always been strong. However, recent events in cities across the country have challenged the relationships between police departments and their communities. These incidents serve to remind our officers of their oath as they strive each and every day to carry out our mission of supporting and defending the Constitution for everyone regardless of background. Sanctity of human life, fair and impartial policing, treating others with dignity and respect, professionalism, and integrity remain at the core of our values. However, we recognize that the conversation of unity, equity, and equality needs to continue, and we are ready to work together to seek positive change in our community. Therefore, in response to questions from the public over the last few months and in an effort to maintain its transparency with the community, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department has composed a list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
- What is Community Policing, and how does it impact they way ACCPD officers do their job?
- What is procedurally just policing, and how does it impact the way ACCPD officers do their jobs?
- What is the sanctity of life fundamental principle, and how does it impact the way officers do their jobs?
- Do ACCPD officers operate with a warrior mindset or a guardian mindset? What does that mean?
- What is the Athens-Clarke County Pre-Arrest Diversion (PAD) Program? Is it a "get out of jail free" card?
- What is the process for hiring police officers?
- What level of training do new officers receive, and what ongoing training is required for all officers?
- What ACCPD's position on First Amendment demonstrations?
- How does ACCPD engage with our community?
- How can community members learn more about the police department?
- What general resources are available regarding ACCPD's approach to policing, use of force, and accountability?
- Are ACCPD officers permitted to use neck restraints or choke holds?
- Are ACCPD officers trained in de-escalation?
- Are ACCPD officers required to give a verbal warning before shooting?
- Does the ACCPD have a Use-of-Force Continuum?
- Are ACCPD officers required to intervene and stop excessive force used by other officers? Are they required to report these incidents immediately to a supervisor?
- Are ACCPD officers permitted to shoot at moving vehicles?
- Are ACCPD officers required to report each time they use force or threaten to use force?
- Does ACCPD require that officers exhaust all other reasonable means before resorting to deadly force?
- Does ACCPD release a report on officer uses of force?
- Is there any other tracking of uses of force?
- Who determines if deadly force is justified?