City of Atlanta and Fulton County Emphasize People-First Approach to ACDC Transition in City / County Work Session
September 25, 2026
As discussions regarding the Atlanta City Detention Center move forward through continued collaboration and positive dialogue, the City of Atlanta and Fulton County remain focused on putting people first; including employees, individuals in custody and the residents who depend on these critical services.
Under the proposed framework, the Atlanta Department of Corrections (ACDC) would maintain one floor and other administrative spaces at ACDC, where the City would continue to oversee its municipal detainees. The City of Atlanta’s Municipal Court, the Solicitor’s Office and the Public Defender’s Office would also maintain continuity of operations.
“Our commitment is simple: we are putting people first,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “We will support our employees, maintain critical services and work collaboratively to ensure this process is handled responsibly and with care.”
The City is preparing three pathways for Department of Corrections employees, including placement within the City, external employment opportunities and potential retirement options. A dedicated HR concierge service would provide personalized assistance throughout the process.
Fulton County Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Khadijah Abdur-Rahman emphasized Fulton County’s ongoing commitment to a collaborative path forward to safer conditions for detainees.
“This agreement between Fulton County and the City of Atlanta offers a safe, humane and fiscally responsible solution," said Vice Chair Abdur-Rahman. "Just as importantly, we remain committed to health and human services and strategies to divert people from jail."
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office has also emphasized a people-focused approach, including more humane conditions for individuals in custody and a safer environment for employees. As this collaborative process continues through positive dialogue, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to putting people over politics.
While discussions around the purchase of the Atlanta City Detention Center are ongoing, we do know acquiring this facility is a step in the right direction for our resident inmates and the people of this community.
Since taking office, Sheriff Patrick “Pat” Labat has supported any effort that provides those in our care with more humane treatment, as well as gives our team a safer environment, especially as our staffing has increased and continues an overall upward trend in order to provide that necessary care.
This agreement would ultimately mean better classification of residents, enhanced supervision and safer housing for the jail population.
Additionally, the Fulton County Sheriff's Office supports and welcomes all City of Atlanta employees that want to continue their law enforcement career with our team.
“This is an opportunity and moment in time where we can change people’s lives,” said Sheriff Patrick “Pat” Labat. “This is just the beginning, and we are on the right path.”
Both the City and County remain committed to diversion. Approximately 60 percent of individuals entering the Center for Diversion and Services are diverted through the Atlanta Police Department. Currently, the City pays half of the center’s operating costs and funds the renovations necessary to establish the center at ACDC. The Center has diverted more than 2600 people from jail this year, on track to double 2025 diversions.
Fulton County will also continue its investments in community-based health and human services, totaling more than $200 million this year. These include more than $26 million for mental health services, more than $60 million for Grady Health System, and a myriad of other health and human services programs.
Any transition remains contingent upon the required legislative approvals.
Under the proposed framework, the Atlanta Department of Corrections (ACDC) would maintain one floor and other administrative spaces at ACDC, where the City would continue to oversee its municipal detainees. The City of Atlanta’s Municipal Court, the Solicitor’s Office and the Public Defender’s Office would also maintain continuity of operations.
“Our commitment is simple: we are putting people first,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “We will support our employees, maintain critical services and work collaboratively to ensure this process is handled responsibly and with care.”
The City is preparing three pathways for Department of Corrections employees, including placement within the City, external employment opportunities and potential retirement options. A dedicated HR concierge service would provide personalized assistance throughout the process.
Fulton County Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Khadijah Abdur-Rahman emphasized Fulton County’s ongoing commitment to a collaborative path forward to safer conditions for detainees.
“This agreement between Fulton County and the City of Atlanta offers a safe, humane and fiscally responsible solution," said Vice Chair Abdur-Rahman. "Just as importantly, we remain committed to health and human services and strategies to divert people from jail."
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office has also emphasized a people-focused approach, including more humane conditions for individuals in custody and a safer environment for employees. As this collaborative process continues through positive dialogue, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to putting people over politics.
While discussions around the purchase of the Atlanta City Detention Center are ongoing, we do know acquiring this facility is a step in the right direction for our resident inmates and the people of this community.
Since taking office, Sheriff Patrick “Pat” Labat has supported any effort that provides those in our care with more humane treatment, as well as gives our team a safer environment, especially as our staffing has increased and continues an overall upward trend in order to provide that necessary care.
This agreement would ultimately mean better classification of residents, enhanced supervision and safer housing for the jail population.
Additionally, the Fulton County Sheriff's Office supports and welcomes all City of Atlanta employees that want to continue their law enforcement career with our team.
“This is an opportunity and moment in time where we can change people’s lives,” said Sheriff Patrick “Pat” Labat. “This is just the beginning, and we are on the right path.”
Both the City and County remain committed to diversion. Approximately 60 percent of individuals entering the Center for Diversion and Services are diverted through the Atlanta Police Department. Currently, the City pays half of the center’s operating costs and funds the renovations necessary to establish the center at ACDC. The Center has diverted more than 2600 people from jail this year, on track to double 2025 diversions.
Fulton County will also continue its investments in community-based health and human services, totaling more than $200 million this year. These include more than $26 million for mental health services, more than $60 million for Grady Health System, and a myriad of other health and human services programs.
Any transition remains contingent upon the required legislative approvals.