Athens-Clarke County seeks to solve violent crime threats

Georgia was the top source of crime associated with weapons in 2020, according to Mayor Kelly Girtz in a news conference at the University of Georgia on Friday.

 

“This is really a puzzle we are talking about when we are talking about public safety,” Girtz said. 

 

He introduced his mission as mayor as a twofold: tackling the challenge of today and preventing the crisis of tomorrow.  

 

According to ACCPD Transparency Hub, Athens-Clarke County has seen 322 aggravated assault crimes in 2022. The only limitation with gun ownership in Georgia is “how far from a building or highway you can shoot.”

 

“This is something I call upon state partners to address with sensible controls around gun access,” said Girtz. 

 

14.8 percent of the 5,433 crashes reported in 2021 have been hit-and-run accidents, like the one in which UGA student Ariana Zarse was killed while crossing Broad Street, have resulted in the funding of the Vision Zero Network. According to Girtz, the goal of the Vision Zero Network is to ensure the streets and intersections in Athens are places where safety is prioritized.

 

“The only correct number of roadway deaths this year is zero” Girtz said. 

 

In effort to face these challenges, in 2021 UGA granted $250,000 annually over three years in camera and light technology improvements downtown. 

 

This is being executed with over 35 cameras that can detect license plates “to track individuals who may have been associated with crimes,” Girtz said.

 

Effective policing is another solution Girtz has put into action to minimize the number of assaults. He has developed an extensive process in selecting the right people with the right training, tools and equipment to protect Athens-Clarke County residents. 

 

“Crime is more like a series of dominoes that begin with people’s lived experiences,” said Girtz. “You need to do things that emphasize improvements in this universal experience.”

 

Girtz asked that citizens of Athens-Clarke County call the police department upon seeing a dangerous situation, apply smart behavior from 20-50 years ago by never walking alone at night and participate in mentor or coaching programs to support youth development and enrichment.