Officially, it was billed as a celebration of the opening of a mini precinct for the Atlanta Police Department at Atlantic Station. In reality, however, it was more of a fundraising event for the Atlanta Police Foundation and kick-off party for the inaugural Atlanta Policeman’s Ball, to be held April 8 at the InterContinental Buckhead Hotel.

But this event, last Friday night, was in the ballroom of the recently opened TWELVE Hotel & Condominiums in Atlantic Station and the theme of the evening was that Atlanta has less major crime today than it has recorded in decades and that with citizen support—including financial support through the Atlanta Police Foundation—the efforts can continue for a safer Atlanta.

Dave Wilkinson, president and CEO of the Atlanta Police Foundation, praised Atlantic Station developer Jim Jacoby and his development team for understanding the benefits of a partnership between the business community, the residential community and law enforcement. Jacoby, who was the official host for the VIP party which was open to the public, donated the space for the police precinct through Atlantic Station.

Wilkinson said that under the leadership of Police Chief Richard Pennington, “I think we can turn what was once called one of the most dangerous cities in America to quickly being known as the most safe large city in America.”

Chief Pennington told the crowd that filled the lobby to the TWELVE ballroom that murders are down 41 percent in the two years he has been in charge of the Police Department and are at the lowest rate since 1963. The total of Part I crimes, he said is down 17 percent and the lowest since 1969, but, he said, “We are looking for greater results.” But he said the police “can’t make a difference in reducing crime without the help of our citizens.”

Making reference to the Andy Griffith TV series he watched as a youth, where there was little to no crime or importance, Pennington said, “We want to make Atlanta into Mayberry.”

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, who was on hand to help cut the ribbon for the new police precinct and is honorary host committee chair for the ball, thanked the police officers and command staff on hand at the event stating, “You are making Atlanta a better place for all of us.”

Franklin said the Police Foundation “has stepped up to help us tell the story to Atlantans and throughout the region of what it takes to have a safe city.”

The mayor praised Jacoby for having a dream of building a city within a city in a brownfield. “We now have one of the most exciting towns—city-within-a-city—in Atlantic Station.”

She said two days before she had been at Atlantic Station for the opening of a movie. “Today, I am here for the opening of a police precinct. I can’t imagine what is next,” she said. “Every day is an opening day in Atlanta,” she added.

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, guests passed into the ballroom, where exhibits of various police services and such were available.

The event, which ran from 6 to 9 pm, also was a fundraising event, with those attending being asked to make a $20 donation to the Police Foundation. Since its inception, the APF has supported the efforts of the APD. In October, APF created the “Campaign for a Safer City,” which has since raised $2.3 million. According to Wilkinson, the campaign will help APD recruit more officers to the force; provide training opportunities for APD officers; provide affordable housing options within the city for APD officers; provide scholarship opportunities for APD officers; and to create a Crime Stoppers anonymous tip hotline number.

The first annual Policeman’s Ball will feature a cocktail reception from 7 to 8 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing. In addition, silent and live auctions will feature the best of Atlanta packages, including experiences at Atlanta's top hotels and restaurants and tickets to Atlanta's cultural and sports events.

Community leaders Wanda McGaha and Wendy Babchin are the event chairs, along with Honorary Chair Mayor Franklin. Business owners such as Niko Karatassos, Sharon Silva, Sam Massell, Autumn Murray and a host others are serving on the event's committees to ensure the APD raises the funds needed.

The Target Corporation is the first to sign-on as Chief Sponsor for $25,000, Georgia Power, Jacoby Development and The Buckhead Coalition are Major Sponsors at the $10,000 level, and several table sponsorships have been sold. Along with all sponsorship levels, Patron tickets are $300 each and include an invitation to the patron party March 18 at 103 West. Individual Ball tickets are $150 each