Atlanta Police Department April/May 2016 Greatest Hits Atlanta Police Make Arrest Murder of Community Leader Barney Simms Atlanta Police arrested and charged Eric Banks, 17, with the murder of Barney Simms. On April 9, Simms’s body was found outside his home on Connally Drive, S.W. Simms died from a gunshot wound. After a thorough investigation, the Homicide Unit released surveillance video to the media resulting in tips from the public; which ultimately led to an arrest. AJC Story Update: Teen arrested in shooting death of Barney Simms CBS 46 Story Mom says teen accused of killing retired housing exec is innocent Atlanta Police Make Arrest in 1996 Cold Case Atlanta Police arrested Ralph Williams in the 2006 homicide of Cynthia Morris. On March 11, 1996 Morris’s body was found inside her apartment on Amal Drive, S.W. Morris died from a gunshot wound to the head. In early 2016, Atlanta Police Investigator Brett Zimbrick, who responded to the original call, reopened the case. As a result of a DNA hit that was entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), officers were able to identify a suspect and make an arrest. 11 Alive Story Atlanta Police make arrest in 20-year-old cold case murder Fox 5 Story Atlanta police make arrest in cold case murder Atlanta Police, Law Enforcement Partners Crackdown on Gang Activity The Atlanta Police Department joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Atlanta to announce a comprehensive investigation of the Gangster Disciples. APD Task Force Officers lend their knowledge of the city’s gang threats to the larger context of federal investigations. APD TFO’s are on the forefront of these investigations, serving in an equal capacity as that of FBI Special Agents and doing the same work as their federal counterparts. WSB-TV Story Police crackdown on parolees with ties to Gangster Disciples Atlanta Police Unveil New Mobile Command Vehicle The Atlanta Police Department unveiled a new Mobile Command Vehicle (MCV). The MCV will be dispatched to events such as the Peachtree Road Race, Atlanta’s Finest 5k, Veteran’s Day Parade, Children’s Christmas Parade, Parade of Excellence/100 Black Men, Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade, Peach Drop, and other significant city events. 11 Alive Story Atlanta Police introduces new Command Vehicle Atlanta Channel 26 Story APD Mobile Command Atlanta Police Detective Mentors Two Young Men Atlanta Police Detective Alicia Turner has formed a relationship with two young men from the English Avenue neighborhood, that has changed their lives. Brian Amey and Cordell Cade were on the path headed towards a life of gang activity, when they met Detective Turner at a Police Athletic League event. Turner worked to get the young men accepted into Boys Town in Nebraska. Boys Town is a village that provides care and guidance for children with a wide range of behavioral, emotional, and academic issues. As a result of Det. Turner’s involvement both Amey and Cade are excelling in school and living positive lives. AJC Story Atlanta detective helps 2 boys escape crime, gang life WSB-TV Story APD officer helps give new hope to boys from The Bluff Don’t Block the Box: Atlanta Police Monitoring Intersections During Peak Rush Hours The Atlanta Police Department is monitoring intersections and ticketing drivers who “block the box” at key intersections around the city. Motorists “block the box” when the traffic signal turns red after they enter an intersection, causing them to block vehicles moving in other directions and preventing safe pedestrian mobility in crosswalks. The Atlanta Police Department’s “Don’t Block the Box” campaign aims to educate commuters and promote the safety of drivers and pedestrians traveling within the city’s busy intersections. 11 Alive Story Police cracking down on Atlanta's most annoying rush hour habit Atlanta’s homeless ‘Gentle Giant’ receives donations from former NBA stars Atlanta police officer Mason Mecure and basketball stars teamed up to provide clothing for 6-foot-11-inch, 275 pound homeless man. James Brown lives next to auto parts store on Pryor Road at University Avenue in southwest Atlanta. After hearing about Mecure’s efforts to help Brown, the Atlanta Hawks basketball team and former Hawks player Dikembe Mutombo and Shaquille O’Neal donated size 22 shoes and clothing. WSB 2 Story Atlanta’s homeless ‘Gentle Giant’ gets donations from former NBA stars Atlanta Police, Mattress Firm Help Local Family The job of an Atlanta police officer extends beyond arresting criminals and fighting crime. After responding to a call of a missing child and adult, Investigator April White noticed that the family of six didn’t have beds. In an effort to help the family, Investigator White posted a message on her personal Facebook page, asking friends to help her collect clothing, bedding and other household supplies. After seeing the Facebook post, Brain Woodward, District Manager for Mattress Firm, reached out to Investigator White to offer assistance. 11 Alive Story Atlanta Police, Mattress Firm bring 'sweet dreams‘ to Atlanta family WSB-TV Story Atlanta officers deliver mattresses, donations to struggling family of 6 Atlanta Police Appoint New LGBT Liaison The Atlanta Police Department is proud to announce the new LGBT Liaison, Officer Acashia Lavigeour. Officer Lavigeour joins Officer Eric King as one of two LGBT Liaisons for the department. She replaces Officer C.J. Murphy who joined the Gang Unit. Lavigeour, a native of Fort Pierce, FL, joined the department in 2012 after graduating from Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. She has served in Zone 5, and the Criminal Investigations Division (A.P.E.X. Unit). Prior to joining APD, she worked as a Correctional Officer for the Florida Department of Corrections. Project Q Story Meet the new LGBT liaison for Atlanta police Fox 5 Atlanta Story Atlanta police appoints newest LGBT liaison AJC Story Atlanta police name LGBT liaison Atlanta Police Honors Fallen Officers The Atlanta Police Department honored 85 fallen officers killed in the line of duty during the 25th Annual Atlanta Police Memorial Service. Rabbi Peter Berg, Senior Rabbi of The Temple, served as the keynote speaker. WSB-TV Story Memorial service honors fallen Atlanta police officers Atlanta Police Celebrate HOPE Opening The Atlanta Police Department has partnered with Operation HOPE and the Atlanta Police Foundation to create a unique HOPE Inside program, designed to provide APD employees with financial literacy training and educate them on the importance of planning for the future. This is the first alliance for a HOPE Inside within a Police Department. The new location will offer financial empowerment opportunities to Atlanta Police Department employees. Atlanta Police, Sprint Recognize Zone 3 Staff The Atlanta Police Department recognized Zone 3 police officers and staff during an employee appreciation event held May 11. Sprint sponsored the event with food and prizes. Officers and staff members enjoyed food, fun and fellowship. Social Media Networks Facebook City of Atlanta Police Department 17,196 Likes Twitter @Atlanta_Police 15,860 Followers APD You Tube 2,055 subscribers 1,115,677 views AroundAPD Summer Safety Don't Block The Box PSA Periscope 5,517 Followers Instagram 2,551 Followers Prepared by Atlanta Police Department Public Affairs Unit .