Mayor Dickens launches 'SO ATL' for Atlanta spring break safety

Mayor Dickens outlines spring break safety plan

Ahead of spring break, Atlanta mayor, Andre Dickens, and APS leaders gathered at the MLK Jr. Recreation Center to debut a new "third space" initiative for teens. The briefing also highlighted the success of the Youth Ambassador program. This comes after much concern regarding recent "teen takeover" events.

ATLANTA - Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is launching a new initiative called "SO ATL" to provide students with safe opportunities and "third spaces" as at least eight metro Atlanta counties begin spring break.

City offers 'carrots and sticks' for spring break safety

What we know:

The "SO ATL" (Student Opportunities: Atlanta) program is part of the city’s Year of the Youth initiatives. Dickens announced Thursday that the city has committed $50,000 in seed money for a feasibility study to develop a "third space" specifically for teens. This space is intended to be a cool, alcohol-free environment—similar to a teen club or high-tech arcade—where young people can gather safely after school and during breaks.

The Mayor held a strategic call with eight metro Atlanta school districts and law enforcement agencies to coordinate efforts for the 600,000 students who will be out of school starting Friday. "We want you to have fun, but also, because we were teenagers too, we also know that it only takes one stupid decision that can be made by just one or two individuals," Dickens said.

What we don't know:

While the feasibility study is funded, the specific location and opening date for the first "third space" have not yet been determined. Officials have also not released the specific deployment numbers for the extra police patrols expected in high-traffic areas like Atlantic Station or downtown during the break.

Curfews and consequences for 'teen takeovers'

What they're saying:

Mayor Dickens addressed the "carrots and sticks" approach to public safety. "The carrots are all these wonderful programs that we've put together," Dickens said. "The, quote unquote, sticks are the law enforcement community has said it, that violence is not going to be tolerated."

The Mayor also had a direct message for parents. "If you're dropping off a kid to a spot at midnight, you've already just, you've broken the law," Dickens said. "The parents have to do the first part, which is make sure you know where your teen is."

What's next:

Spring break for most metro Atlanta jurisdictions officially begins after the bell rings on Friday, April 3. Parents and students are encouraged to visit the Year of the Youth website to find a list of safe spaces, including recreation centers and "Teens After Dark" events. Law enforcement agencies will be on high alert for "teen takeovers" or large unauthorized gatherings that have previously led to violence.