Mayor Kasim Reed discusses public safety initiatives

ATLANTA - Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed discussed new public safety initiatives in the city at a news briefing Tuesday morning.

"Public safety is my number one priority, it's the city's number one priority" Reed said.

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According to Mayor Reed, 461 individuals were responsible for 10,000 crimes last year and only 16 of them, or 4 percent, spent time in jail.

"Not only are we going to be tough on crime, but we are going to be smart on crime." 

Reed said repeat offenders are no longer getting a "free pass." Approximately 55 percent of repeat offenders are now receiving jail time, according to Reed.

At the briefing, Reed also said officials are working to improve safety on the city's Westside, which will consist of adding more than 1,000 cameras in the area.

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Reed said Atlanta has reduced both crime and public safety. In 2015, crime decreased by 3 percent. 

"Today gives us an opportunity to keep our eyes focused on repeat offenders, and to let you know what we have planned to keep you and the city of Atlanta safe in 2016."

The briefing was held at the Atlanta Public Safety Headquarters. Reed was joined at the briefing by the city's Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Police, Fire Chief and the head of the city's Department of Corrections.