Atlanta Police Department

[India Raider]

The Atlanta Police Department is one of the Departments I'm applying with and I'm curious if any LEO's had any insights about this department.

Thanks.

[BG]

I'll be out that way in October on my way to Ellijay, Georgia - a friend from the Roswell PD may arrange a ride-along with the Atlanta PD on my behalf - looking forward to it. http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif
BG.

[jcollettusa]

I have a friend that I was in the Corps with who currently works for Atlanta PD if you want I could email him and ask him anything you want to know, that is if he knows.

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Semper Fi

[BG]

jcollettusa : Drop me his details too if you don't mind - I'll drop by and say "Hi" while I'm there.

BG.
(a21@mweb.co.za)

[India Raider]

Thanks JCollett; I'd certainly appreciate that.

From what I've heard there are quite a few former Marines on the APD and I'm hoping so. Just sent my application off to them. I've already tested with Cobb and Gwinnett counties and take the Cobb PFT next Saturday. Cobb had quite a few of us Grunts at the test as well.

[jcollettusa]

BG: No problem, It will probably take a couple of days for me to get a hold of him, but I'll probably have the info either Sunday or Monday, if that is not too late. I am not sure which precinct or district he is in. I haven't talked to him in quite some time, but I can track him down.

India: Is there anything imparticular your wanting to konw?

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Semper Fi

[India Raider]

India: Is there anything imparticular your wanting to konw?

Couple things actually; I've been appying with several of the surrounding Metro Atlanta Departments and in doing so I've spoke with several officers, many of which were former APD.

Con's:
1. Word has it that morale is low.
2. Word has it that the officers are unhappy with the Management; Mayor, Chief, on down.
3. Low funding.
4. Extremely dangerous; described as literal "war zone". (4 officers have died already in Fulton county this year)
5. Problem with retention; 5-10 officers leaving each month.

Pro's:
1. Toughest, hardest, best academy in the state.
2. Toughest, hardest, best department in the state.
3. Toughest, hardest, best individual officers in the state; no slackers.

One officer said it should be called the Atlanta Marine Corps; though I'm not certain how he was referencing that (a lot of former Marines, very disciplined/hard department, or refering to the "war zone" aspect).

I talked with on state officer and he had nothing but compliments for in the individual officers. He said sometimes when they work with local departments they have to cautious because they don't feel the local departments are that competant and don't watch their backs. He said you don't have that worry with the APD officers because they'll go through any door.

In my meetings with APD officers they have all seem extremely professional, no nonsense officers. Everyone seems to be in top shape and high and tights are all around. From the outside looking in it looks like a Gung-Ho department and I'm just interested in what it's like on the inside.

When I took the Cobb test 3 APD guys were there, you'd think the guys were linebackers not officers. What kind of PT does the department mandate?

[jcollettusa]

I will make a copy of this and then track him down, but give me a few day to get back with you because he usually takes that long to return my calls.

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Semper Fi

[BG]

jcollettusa : Roger that - many thanks!
Sounds like just the RIGHT Department to go on a ride-along with too, these guys should come and hang-out in downtown Johannesburg! http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif
BG.

[India Raider]

Also, could you please ask about the "Red Dog Unit"?

I took the test for Dekalb PD yesterday and I started talking to an Army Dog. He said he use to live in Atlanta, so I asked if applied there as well. He said he didn't; too dangerous.

I asked if APD rides 1 or 2 to a car. He said he usually only saw 1 per car, but you'll occassionally see 2. He said when you see 4 go somewhere else because it's the Red Dog Guys going for someone.

Peaked my interest.

Thanks

[Sharky]

Lesson learned about Red Dogs. Stay away, far away, leave them alone. Red dogs are street justice in uniform and although they beat the living shit out of a good friend of mine I still kinda admire them. BUT, their time will come one day when they are caught on video like we are seeing more and more and when that day comes some street thug is gonna get rich and a lot of red dogs will be looking for a job. It's just a matter of time. By the way BG how is Joburg? Haven't been down to SA since 1995 but thoroughly enjoyed my little vacation on Uncle Sam while I was there. Cape Town was great. Walk in a restaurant and instead of checking your coat they check your weapons and put them in storage until you leave the restaurant. Awesome. http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif

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F.I.D.O.

[India Raider]

That's what I figured. The guy a spoke with said, "they are corn-fed cock strong mother fuckers" (exact words). Not a bad reputation to have. Any additional info, or resources on the web about the Red Dogs would be greatly appreciated.

[RECON5]

Raider -

You ought to take Sharky's hint. Most of the real "Bad Asses" (self proclaimed) you will be putting in jail one day are also known as "Corn fed cock strong mutherfuckers" too. There is a reason there are folks getting "beat up" with 4 of them. Dont get me wrong, I have 5 years experience with a Tactical Unit, and yes we took several folks down in stylish fashion, but we never set out to "kick peoples ass" and infact had a good reputation for clean take downs. Attitude has alot to do with it, and personally I would never be a part of any team or unit that has that reputation. Your just waiting to loose the pension to some scumbag with a video camera. Just my .02 worth on the infor you were given, I have no personal knowledge of this unit or these officers.

REMEMBER 1*

[India Raider]

Like I said I don't have any real knowledge on the Red Dog guys; just that they have almost mythical status around here. "Oh, the Red Dogs" (said with a hint of apprehension and admiration) is often heard. So far all of the APD Officers I've met/seen have looked like cock strong guys. I was curious as to what sort of mandate PT program the department runs or if it's individual. I'm 5'10 with a solid 205lbs frame, but I think I have a bit to go to reach corn-fed cock strong status.

[India Raider]

Originally posted by BG:
jcollettusa : Roger that - many thanks!
Sounds like just the RIGHT Department to go on a ride-along with too, these guys should come and hang-out in downtown Johannesburg! http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif
BG.

BG:

Any truth to this; I've heard that the SA Police use the Boerboel as their standard Police Dog with excellent results.

Two things; can you confirm that the Boerboel is 1, widely used in this role, and 2, that the breed lives up to its hype? When I say widely used I mean like the GSD or Mal is used here. I've heard of one AmBull currently working. I'm curious if the Boerboel is working in significant #'s.

One of my hobbies is sport/street PP dogs and the Boerboel is a curiousity of mine.

[BG]

jcollettusa :

Tried to reply to your post earlier, was just about finished on a long explanation and...we get a power failure! *L!*

When you were on your way home I was leaving Costa Mesa, Orange County, CA back to South Africa. http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif Table View, Cape Town reminds me very much of Newport Beach.

Indian Radier : I can't confirm that at all - though I wouldn't be surprised if they were used extensively elsewhere. The only dogs I see with any of the Dog Units (including our regional West Rand Dog Unit) is the GSD. Though a friend has a mutt that isn't quite a GSD I don't think - will find out if it's a runt, as he uses it strictly for search-and-rescue.

There are the occassional other breeds, but they are very rarely seen.

BG.

[jcollettusa]

India and BG:

Hey, I have not forgot about you. I have tried contacting him several times and still have got no response, so I contacted another mutual friend of ours to track him down, but he is out of the Country right now. As soon as I hear from either one I will let you know. Sorry for the delay.

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Semper Fi

[BG]

jcollettusa :

Thanks mate, no problems. http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif Look forward to heading out that way!

Currently also waiting for some feedback from their SWAT Team Commander (having heard from the Deputy Chief of Police).

If there is anything you need, just give me a shout.

BG.