Committee holds Parks security contract amendment after questions about officer certification
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Summary
The Public Safety and Legal Administration Committee voted 6-0 on Jan. 16 to hold a resolution that would add up to $1,500,000 to an existing Parks and Recreation security contract after council members raised concerns about whether the vendor used non–post‑certified or out‑of‑jurisdiction personnel.
The Public Safety and Legal Administration Committee voted 6-0 on Jan. 16 to hold a resolution that would add up to $1,500,000 in funding to an existing Parks and Recreation security contract with Metropolitan Security Associates Inc.
Deputy Commissioner Doug Voss of the Department of Parks and Recreation told the committee the amendment would add a funding string to an existing agreement to provide security, traffic control and other services at recreation centers, outdoor pools and other park sites. "This contract has two vendors on it," he said, adding the amendment aligns funding timing across the contracts.
The item drew questions after Council Member Dustin Hillis said he had received reports that the vendor used armed security officers who were not "post certified" and, in some instances, officers without Atlanta jurisdiction. Amber A. Robinson of the City of Atlanta Law Department said the contract was originally authorized by Resolution 22R4148 (adopted Aug. 15, 2022) and that a procurement code amendment (referenced as ordinance 24‑01063, Feb. 28, 2024) requiring off‑duty, post‑certified officers applies only to contracts awarded after that amendment. Robinson said existing contracts generally remain governed by their original scope unless a code waiver is sought.
Hillis asked for a joint review with Parks and Procurement to get the underlying facts, including whether the incident had been investigated and resolved. Voss said procurement had adjudicated a related discrepancy and that Parks prefers on‑duty APD or officers with Atlanta jurisdiction when possible because of radio interoperability and citation authority. Voss said he was not aware of continuing problems after meetings in November–December.
Hillis moved to hold the resolution pending further review; Council Member Antonio Lewis seconded. The motion passed on a 6‑0 vote.
Why it matters: Parks contracts for on‑site security affect public safety at youth and community programs and outdoor events across Atlanta. Council members said they want assurance that contractors meet the certification and jurisdictional requirements spelled out in the city’s procurement rules or the contract scope.
Next steps: Committee members requested follow‑up briefings with the Department of Parks and Recreation and Procurement to review the vendor investigation and any corrective actions before the item returns to committee.
