Atlanta NPU-V Community Leader Discusses Spike In Crime, Policing, Developing Long-Term Solutions

While reflecting on the current state of police and community relationships nationwide, officer-involved shootings and the ongoing efforts of communities seeking justice, an Atlanta-based community leader says the issues blocking immediate change are long-term and systemic.

“People are expecting, hey it’s a new day you can’t shoot us anymore and that’s not how it works,” says DeMicha Luster, an NPU-V community leader.

Luster was a guest on Thursday’s edition of “Closer Look” where she spoke candidly with show host Rose Scott about policing in Black communities.

The conversation fell on the heels of the Atlanta Civil Service Board’s ruling to reinstate Garrett Rolfe, the former Atlanta police officer who shot and killed Rayshard Brooks last summer in the parking lot of a southwest Atlanta Wendy’s parking lot.

During the virtual conversation, Luster discussed several topics, including the recent spike in crime in Atlanta, combating gun violence, healing communities affected by trauma and why she feels it’s time for new leadership on the Atlanta City Council.

To listen to the full conversation, click the audio player above.