Atlanta, Georgia – More than 2,600 people have already been diverted from jail through Atlanta’s Center for Diversion and Services this year. That number is now becoming part of a much larger conversation over what happens next at the Atlanta City Detention Center, and what that transition means for detainees, employees and residents.
During a joint City-County work session, Atlanta and Fulton County officials framed the proposed changes around continuity rather than disruption, emphasizing that essential court and detention services would remain in place while employees receive options for their next steps.
Under the proposed framework, the Atlanta Department of Corrections would retain one floor of ACDC along with administrative space. Atlanta would continue overseeing municipal detainees, while the Municipal Court, Solicitor’s Office and Public Defender’s Office would continue operating.
For Department of Corrections employees, the City is preparing three possible pathways: placement elsewhere within Atlanta government, opportunities with outside employers or retirement where applicable. A dedicated human resources concierge service is also planned to help workers navigate the transition.
Fulton County officials said the proposed arrangement could also improve conditions for people held in custody. Vice Chair Khadijah Abdur-Rahman described the agreement as a “safe, humane and fiscally responsible solution,” while stressing that diversion, health services and other alternatives to incarceration remain priorities.
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office said acquiring the facility could improve inmate classification, supervision and housing while creating a safer workplace for staff. The agency has also said City of Atlanta employees interested in continuing careers in law enforcement would be welcome to pursue opportunities with the Sheriff’s Office.
“This is just the beginning, and we are on the right path,” Sheriff Patrick “Pat” Labat said.
Diversion remains a significant part of the broader plan. About 60% of people entering the Center for Diversion and Services are diverted through the Atlanta Police Department. Atlanta currently pays half of the center’s operating costs and funds renovations needed for its operations at ACDC. The center has diverted more than 2,600 people this year and is on pace to double its 2025 total.
Fulton County is also investing more than $200 million this year in community-based health and human services, including more than $26 million for mental health programs and over $60 million for Grady Health System.
The proposed ACDC transition is not final. Discussions over the facility’s purchase remain underway, and any transfer would still require the necessary legislative approvals.
