South Fulton Unveils Housing Program: Officers Live Where They Serve

The Brief

• The South Fulton Police Department is collaborating with Progress Residential to offer affordable housing options for police officers.
• Currently, twelve officers are participating in the program within the city of South Fulton.
• The officers get a 35% discount on rent along with $400 monthly from the South Fulton Police Department.
• The aim is for the officers to build connections within the communities they reside in and assist with tackling any issues related to crime and safety.

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. - The South Fulton Police Department aims for more of its officers to reside in the area they serve.

That's why they've joined forces with Progress Residential.

What we know

"The aim is to have our law enforcement officers return to the heart of the city," stated South Fulton Police Chief Keith Meadows.

"Sure, certain regions presented more challenges compared to others, and our aim is to ensure we maintain an appropriate level of engagement in these specific areas," he noted.

Chief Meadows states that he has already observed positive outcomes in the regions where the newly assigned officers reside.

"As soon as our police officers were present, they facilitated immediate conversations between residents and law enforcement, which undoubtedly helped enhance communication regarding safety issues," he clarified.

As Ama Romaine, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Progress Residential, stated, 'This is one method through which we firmly establish our presence and genuinely commit resources to the communities in which we operate.'

And those living close to police officers in South Fulton report feeling more secure.

"It will be good for us as residents to know that we have some in the community," Claudia Smalls said.

"It simply creates a secure environment where you feel at ease, as with my nephew; he often stops by, and you aren’t really concerned about anything significant happening to him," said Saje Alston.

What's next

Although the South Fulton Police Department is the first to collaborate with Progress Residential on this trial initiative, the organization is simultaneously engaging with various other law enforcement agencies across metropolitan Atlanta, aiming to decrease criminal activities in the region.

The Source

Kim Leoffler from FOX 5 interviewed South Fulton Police Chief Keith Meadows and Ama Romaine from Progress Residential.