On June 19, Tyler Perry Studios hosted an appreciation luncheon for the Atlanta Police Department.
Mayor Andre Dickens, interim Police Chief Darin Schierbaum, and Perry were present at the luncheon as this event was used to help boost morale in the police department.
Mayor Andre Dickens told WSB-TV that he was glad that Perry decided to jump-start this event.
“They work day and night to keep us safe, to protect and serve,” Dickens said. “They just want to see us say thank you.”
A survey in June 2021 revealed a 45% increase in retirement rates and nearly 20% increase in resignations were seen nationwide for police departments due to factors such as department scrutiny and pandemic concerns.
Atlanta police are currently down 25% of its desired 2,000 officers needed.
During the event, Perry let it be known to the police department that we need them, and the city of Atlanta needs them.
“We care about all 242 of our neighborhoods,” Schierbaum said to WSB-TV. “We are an effective police department when we are effectively communicating with our community.”
