ICYMI: Governor Kemp, First Lady Lead Efforts to Combat Crime, Criminal Street Gangs, and Human Trafficking

Atlanta - Over the past several months, Governor Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Governor's Office of Highway Safety, Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS), Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), and state and local law enforcement have led multi-agency efforts to crack down on violent crime, criminal street gangs, and human trafficking. These partnerships have been instrumental in getting criminals off our streets and making communities across Georgia safer.

Atlanta Crime Suppression Detail Overview

The Atlanta Crime Suppression Detail, also referred to as the "Crime Suppression Unit," of the Georgia State Patrol is a multi-agency unit created in April of 2021 at the request of Governor Kemp to target reckless street racing and reduce crime in the metro-Atlanta area. Members of the unit include the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia State Patrol, Motor Carrier Compliance Division, Department of Public Safety, Department of Natural Resources, Atlanta Police Department, and other local law enforcement.

Below are some highlights of the Atlanta Crime Suppression Detail's work between April 9, 2021, and July 25, 2021.

• Vehicle Stops: 7,950
• Citations: 5,698
• Impounded Vehicles: 474
• Arrests: 416
• Pursuits: 226
• Wanted Persons apprehended: 116
• Reckless Drivers stopped: 150
• Stolen Guns confiscated: 38

On July 23, Governor Kemp joined Erick Erickson to discuss the work of the Crime Suppression Unit since its inception in April 2021. To listen to the full interview, click here.

On July 28, Governor Kemp and House Speaker David Ralston issued statements in support of the Crime Suppression Unit. The Governor also announced additional funding to be allocated from the Governor's Emergency Fund to the Department of Public Safety to support the ongoing efforts of the joint law enforcement task force.

“In April of this year, I asked Colonel Chris Wright and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to develop and execute a plan to tackle crime and reckless street racing across the metro-Atlanta region. Working with other state agencies and local law enforcement partners, the Crime Suppression Unit is making progress in that mission. Colonel Wright made a request of additional funds – up to $2 million – for the Department to bring additional personnel onto the Crime Suppression Unit in order to strengthen their ongoing efforts. I have agreed to Colonel Wright’s request and will be allocating resources from the Governor’s Emergency Fund to allow the Department to carry out their strategy to protect our capital city. I appreciate Speaker Ralston and members of the General Assembly for their support of DPS and the Crime Suppression Unit.” – Governor Brian P. Kemp

“This additional funding is necessary to keep the streets of Atlanta safe and protect residents and visitors alike,” said Speaker David Ralston. “Our state law enforcement personnel are working around the clock to bring criminals to justice, and I greatly appreciate their work on behalf of all Georgians. I am proud to stand with Governor Kemp, Attorney General Carr, and my colleagues in the General Assembly on this critical public safety issue.”

Human Trafficking

GBI HEAT Unit and Human Trafficking Investigations Meeting

On July 8, 2021, First Lady Marty Kemp attended a Northeast Georgia Intelligence Network meeting in Watkinsville that focused on the GBI Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Unit and related human trafficking investigations in Georgia.

Social Media:
• First Lady Marty Kemp: Supporting GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit
• Georgia Bureau of Investigation: Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Unit

Department of Juvenile Justice Shelter Groundbreaking for Victims of Sex Trafficking

On June 7, 2021, Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) facility for survivors of human trafficking. They were joined by Director Vic Reynolds, DJJ Commissioner Tyrone Oliver, former Department of Human Services Commissioner Robyn Crittenden, State Property Officer Marty Smith, and other state legislators and officials.

Social Media:
• Georgia DJJ: Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp attend groundbreaking for new DJJ shelter in Gwinnett County
• First Lady Marty Kemp: New DJJ Facility
• First Lady Marty Kemp: Gwinnett facility aims to rehabilitate children exploited in human trafficking

Human Trafficking Training at Roswell Rotary

On June 7, 2021, First Lady Marty Kemp attended a human trafficking training with the Roswell Police Department, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to highlight common misconceptions regarding human trafficking and discuss ways to raise awareness in the local Roswell community.

To protect victims of human trafficking and stalking, Governor Kemp signed SB 33 and SB 34 into law on April 27, 2021. SB 33 allows victims or state officials to file against perpetrators for victims of human trafficking and SB 34 provides victims of human trafficking the option of changing their name without public notice. Additionally, Governor Kemp signed HB 231 into law on May 10, 2021, expanding protective orders for victims of stalking. SB 33 and SB 34 were legislative priorities of the First Lady.

Social Media:
• First Lady Marty Kemp: Human Trafficking Training

Fighting Gang Activity in Georgia

Richmond County Sheriff's Office South Precinct Press Conference

On July 23, 2021, Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp attended the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office gang bust announcement of 136 indictments against 77 gang members and their associates.

Social Media:
• Governor Kemp: Richmond County Sheriff's Office

GBI Gang Task Force Press Conference

On July 15, 2021, Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp attended a briefing from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) on the agency's Gang Task Force and their work over the past two years to make Georgia communities safer. In fiscal year 2020, the Gang Task Force was involved in 323 gang-related or motivated investigations.

Interviews:
• Scott Slade: Gang Task Force (July 19)
• GBI Press Conference: Update on Gang Task Force (July 15)

Social Media:
• Governor Kemp: Gang Task Force
• Georgia Bureau of Investigation: Gang Task Force

Georgia Anti-Gang Network Meeting

On June 3, 2021, Governor Kemp attended a Georgia Anti-Gang Network meeting with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Atlanta Police Department, Georgia Department of Corrections, and other stakeholders to discuss their combined work to combat gang crime in Georgia.

Social Media:
• AG Chris Carr: Governor Kemp attends Georgia Anti-Gang Network meeting

Addressing Crime in Metro-Atlanta

House Public Safety Committee’s Hearing on Crime in Atlanta

On July 19, 2021, Governor Kemp spoke at the House Public Safety Committee’s second hearing on crime in Atlanta.

On May 7, 2021, Governor Kemp signed HB 286 into law which supports state and local law enforcement and prevents county leadership from defunding county police department budgets.

Press Releases:
• Over $6.7 million for law enforcement training program
• State law enforcement provided increased funding to fight crime

Social Media:
• Governor Kemp: Governor Attends Public Safety Committee hearing

Combatting Street Racing in Georgia

Tour of Crime Suppression Unit Operations

On May 7, 2021, Governor Kemp toured the Georgia Department of Public Safety's Crime Suppression Unit operations to see firsthand their efforts to combat street racing in Atlanta and the surrounding metro area.

To toughen penalties for street racing offenders, Governor Kemp signed HB 534 into law on May 3, 2021.

Social Media:
• Department of Public Safety and Atlanta Police Department: Video of stopping street racing in the act
• Department of Public Safety: Multi-agency road monitoring at night
• Atlanta Police Department: Partnership to stop and arrest drivers in Buckhead