Atlanta Mayor Announces New Pre-Arrest Diversion Center To Open At City Jail

“This fight has been a very, very long one, and the fight continues,” [Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms] said. The center is designed to help non-violent offenders struggling with mental illness and homelessness without sending them to jail or to a hospital. The city partnered with Fulton County and the Pre-Arrest Diversion Initiative (PAD).

“Today is a celebration in recognition of what happens when public leaders, despite party label, color, race, or religion, come together to get things done,” said District 6 Fulton County Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman. “We will keep people safer, put a dent in homelessness and reduce costs for all people.”