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The Atlanta Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) is a premier law enforcement training institution that provides comprehensive training. The Center allows sworn officers, civilian responders, firefighters, EMS and E-911 staff to train locally and collaboratively.

The project, located on 85 acres in Southwest Dekalb County, was first proposed by the City of Atlanta in 2021. The decision to build the Public Safety Training Center drew intense opposition from activists in Atlanta and beyond. Since opening in April 2025, the Center has trained approximately 650 police and fire recruits. Department leaders call the Center a “game-changer”, boosting morale and strengthening recruitment and retention.

On May 13, thirty-five ARCS Atlanta members and guests enjoyed an extraordinary behind-the-scenes visit to PSTC. We were welcomed by Training Center leadership and heard opening remarks from Mr. Dave Wilkinson, Executive Director of the Atlanta Police Foundation. He shared the vision behind the Center and the city’s ambitious goal: to make Atlanta the safest big city in the country by 2028. He noted that the new $118 million facility, 80% funded by the Atlanta Police Foundation with tremendous support from community and corporate sponsors, is a cornerstone of that effort. Members also heard from Colonel James Cunningham who leads the APD Drone Unit, offering insight into how technology, data and coordinated strategy shape modern public safety. A particularly meaningful moment came when ARCS members witnessed 25 new officers preparing to receive their badges – a powerful reminder of the human commitment behind the training, science and discipline we observed throughout the day.

On our tour, we visited the Simulation Technology Labs featuring virtual and augmented-reality tools; Fire and Rescue training area; Mounted Patrol Headquarters and Barn; the Police and Emergency Vehicle training area; State-of-the-Art Indoor Shooting Range.

This trip highlighted the importance of modern, integrated public-safety training in strengthening community trust and emergency preparedness. Responders face a variety of incidents, and success in handling these situations is supported by technology and science. With the new PSTC, Atlanta has gained a tremendous recruiting advantage, drawing top candidates and equipping them with world-class training.

If you would like to see more photos of this unforgettable day, please visit the Events Highlights page on the ARCS Atlanta website at this link:  https://atlanta.arcsfoundation.org/node/5758