In support of Mayor Andre Dickens’ call for more investment in public safety, the Atlanta Police Foundation (APF) and Westside Future Fund have reactivated the Westside Blue Security Patrol. Reactivation began on May 1 as part of their joint effort with the Atlanta Police Department (APD) to reduce crime in the historic English Avenue and Vine City neighborhoods and the MLK Corridor from Northside Drive to the Westside Beltline.

Westside Future Fund is funding the $180,000 annual cost for Westside Blue, which will run five days per week, for 40 hours per week, supplementing street patrols by neighborhood officers.

“Atlanta has a dynamic Police Department and a dedicated force of officers serving our people,” said Mayor Dickens. “The officers participating in the Westside Blue program are committed to serving the community and creating safe spaces on the west side of our city. This model allows officers to engage with the community on personal level to strengthen and enhance community and police relationships.”

English Avenue and Vine City security will be further enhanced through APF’s Secure Neighborhood Initiative, which has supported 17 APD officers buying new homes in these neighborhoods while taking on neighborhood community policing responsibilities such as more frequent street patrols and establishing relationships with residents in their blocks. WFF donated ten lots for officer housing in English Avenue and Vine City to support the initiative, including 3 of the 17 new occupied homes with an additional seven under development.

“The Westside Future Fund is proud to support reactivating Westside Blue and partnering with our local community stakeholders to support Mayor Dickens leadership call for additional resources to reduce crime in our community,” said Westside Future Fund President and CEO of Westside Future Fund, John Ahmann.

Secure Neighborhood officers average $250 per month from the Atlanta Police Foundation doing off-duty work aimed at code enforcement, youth engagement, attending community meetings and providing neighborhood security.