Is Atlanta’s “Cop City” the Answer to Public Safety?

Overview

This Brookings commentary examines the controversy surrounding the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center—known by critics as “Cop City”—and raises questions about its role in advancing public safety. The authors consider whether investing $90 million in a sprawling police training complex is the most effective strategy for addressing violence and building trust between law enforcement and communities of color.

Key Points

• The center is framed by proponents as necessary for modern, effective policing, emphasizing de-escalation and community-oriented training.
• Opponents argue that such investments continue a cycle of over-policing, particularly in Black and Brown communities, without addressing root causes of violence such as poverty, housing insecurity, and lack of access to health care.
• The project sparked mass protests, especially following the police killing of environmental activist Manuel “Tortuguita” Terán, who opposed the center’s construction.
• Ray notes the tension between expanding public safety infrastructure and the public’s demand for systemic accountability and non-carceral approaches.

Policy Implications

The team emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to public safety—one that includes police reform and investment in social determinants of health. Rather than relying solely on increased policing and infrastructure, cities should consider funding alternatives such as community violence intervention programs, mental health services, and economic opportunity.

Research Context

This commentary builds on previous Brookings research highlighting best practices in police reform and calls for policymakers to evaluate not just how much is spent on public safety, but how those resources are used and who benefits from them.