The Atlanta Police Department is cracking down on drinking and driving among officers. FOX 5's Morse Diggs has learned that the number of DUIs involving Atlanta officers has more than doubled.
According APD Chief George Turner, eight officers have been arrested on DUI charges in 2012 so far. Turner is promising stiffer discipline, including termination.
APD Deputy Chief Shawn Jones said that in 2011, there were three officers charged with DUI.
"We want to keep our officers on the right side of the law. I mean, we're held to the same standards as any citizen," said APD Deputy Chief Shawn Jones.
Dennis Hammock of the Atlanta Police Union said that officers deal with troubled situations.
"Police officers only deal with the bad side of life. They do that most of every day that they're on the job. Maybe this is a way to escape sometimes and they just get carried away with it," said Hammock.
Turner said the stiffer penalties will begin on Saturday. Officers face a minimum of losing three weeks' pay if they get a DUI.
Union officials said they would like to see more treatment plans than suspensions.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:11 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:11:27 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 8:35 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:35:39 GMT
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:17 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:17:23 GMT
Relief agencies from across the country are collecting supplies to help the victims of the deadly tornado in Moore, Okla. The Peachtree City Police Department is collecting donations that will be delivered this weekend.
Relief agencies from across the country are collecting supplies to help the victims of the deadly tornado in Moore, Okla. The Peachtree City Police Department is collecting donations that will be delivered this weekend.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:35 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:35:16 GMT
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country.
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country. They're stepping up to defend their neighborhood and organizing residents to form civic associations.
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