New language in the standard operating procedure for searches calls for strip searches only where reasonable suspicion exists that the suspect is carrying a weapon, explosives or contraband.
Some Atlanta police officers complain the city has enacted a policy that could jeopardize their safety and the public's safety. The controversy involves an officer's ability to search a suspect and how far they can search.
New language in the standard operating procedure for searches calls for strip searches only where reasonable suspicion exists that the suspect is carrying a weapon, explosives or contraband. It also states that strip searches are only to be conducted at a jail after transport.
Retired Atlanta Police Sgt. Bud Watson, the former president of the Georgia Police Benevolent Association, said the new rules are creating an uproar within the department.
"I've got a lot of heartburn with that, and I know the officers do and they're not able to speak up," said Watson.
Watson said that the new language puts officers in danger, especially if the suspect does have a weapon.
"People that are concerned about it, they don't want to come to work because this is jeopardizing their safety. They fear for their safety, they fear for their lives," said Watson.
A city attorney, the head of the police academy and a private attorney who sued the city over an alleged illegal strip searches all told FOX 5's Morse Diggs that there is no cause for alarm.
Atlanta Police Maj. Jeff Glazier said that officers can still retrieve a weapon if they feel it during a frisk, even if it involves pulling down a suspect's pants.
Glazier said that the rules are essentially the same, and that some officers may be misreading the procedures.
Sources tell FOX 5 that Chief George Turner's top assistant, Vince Moore, has had a meeting with the head of the police union, Ken Allen, saying that clarification is coming soon for Atlanta officers.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:23 PM EDT2013-05-22 18:23:35 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:32:36 GMT
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife.
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife. Prosecutors say Michael Parson shot his wife, Adina, eight times in April 2012 outside their apartment.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:28:25 GMT
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe.
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe. They say 1-year-old Annya Buchannon was in the back of a car that was stolen just after midnight from the Playskool Daycare on Conley Road in Forest Park.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:24 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:24:23 GMT
Atlanta fire crews are battling a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown.
Atlanta fire crews battled a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown on Wednesday morning. Authorities say the fire sparked at United Transmission Service, which is located at 350 Marietta Street NW.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges. Brooks pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:53 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:53:01 GMT
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Tuesday morning.
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Wednesday morning. Fire crews say the bus stalled on the railroad tracks in downtown Decatur, and those onboard had just seconds to get out before an oncoming train hit it.
The Gainesville City Council is moving ahead with a study to determine the feasibility of a new convention center and hotel in the northeast Georgia city.
The Gainesville City Council is moving ahead with a study to determine the feasibility of a new convention center and hotel in the northeast Georgia city.
New language in the standard operating procedure for searches calls for strip searches only where reasonable suspicion exists that the suspect is carrying a weapon, explosives or contraband.
