Atlanta's Top Cop Named President of Police Chief's Association

Staff Report

Atlanta, Ga. Chief of Police, George N. Turner, has been named the 2015/2016 President of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP). The GACP is an association that has served police chiefs and command staff law enforcement personnel for over 53 years and currently represents over 500 Chiefs of Police and other Law Enforcement Agency Heads across the State of Georgia. Chief Turner assumed his role as President of the GACP on the evening of Tuesday, July 28, 2015. Part of his new duties includes chairing the Association’s Executive Board, and appointing all committee chairs.

Chief Turner is a 34 year veteran of the Atlanta Police Department (APD), which is the state’s largest department with an authorized strength of 2,008 sworn officers. Chief Turner has worked in all areas of the APD to include the uniform and investigation divisions. Chief Turner was appointed the 23rd Chief of Police for APD on July 9, 2010 by Atlanta Mayor Karim Reed. Since his appointment, the city’s overall crime rate has continued to drop to the lowest levels since the 1960’s. Chief Turner is adamant that the APD has the most up to date technology for its officers in order to more effectively and efficiently fight crime.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Chief Turner is a pillar of the community. He serves on several different boards such as, President of the Atlanta Police Athletic League, 2nd Vice President of the Major Cities Chiefs Association and is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). Chief Turner attended Clark Atlanta University and has a Bachelor’s of Art degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University and a Master’s of Public Administration from Columbus State University.

He and his wife Cathy have been married for 34 years and have four adult children and seven grandchildren.