Council Member Bakhtiari urges reforms to Georgia Highway Patrol pursuit policies after tragedy

In a pivotal moment during the Atlanta City Council Public Safety Legal Administration Committee meeting on April 28, 2025, the focus turned to a resolution aimed at reforming the Georgia Highway Patrol's pursuit policies. This discussion was sparked by the tragic death of 19-year-old Cooper Shanky, who lost his life when his vehicle was struck by a driver fleeing a traffic stop initiated by the Georgia Highway Patrol.

Devin Barrington Ward from the National Police Accountability Project urged the committee to support Council Member Liliana Bakhtiari's resolution, emphasizing the need for stricter pursuit policies to prevent further loss of innocent lives. "This is not a radical demand, to preserve life," Ward stated, highlighting the community's responsibility to ensure public safety and prevent bystanders from becoming collateral damage in police pursuits.

The resolution calls for the Atlanta Police Department to reassess its backup requests from the Georgia Highway Patrol, particularly in cases involving minor traffic violations. Ward pointed out that the current lack of a clear pursuit policy for the Georgia Highway Patrol grants excessive discretion to officers, leading to dangerous situations within city limits.

The committee unanimously approved the resolution, signaling a strong message to state officials about the urgent need for reform. As the city grapples with the implications of police pursuits, this legislative action aims to prioritize the safety of Atlanta's residents and prevent further tragedies on the roads. The next steps will involve advocating for these changes at the state level, reinforcing the commitment to public safety as a shared responsibility among all officials.