TCAPP History

TCAPP was formed out of a desire to enhance the relationship between communities and police in metro Atlanta. Against the backdrop of the events of the Summer 2020, TCAPP’s Founder, Tom Opdyke, saw a need for new approaches to improve how the law enforcement and the public engage with one another and how Community & Problem-Oriented Policing concepts could address needs on both sides. This assessment was based on his previous experience in the U.S. and with public safety reform internationally, namely a European Union public safety reform project in Southeast Asia.

In 2021, he began laying the groundwork for TCAPP's formation, convening the first of several strategic planning sessions and reaching out to numerous community groups, law enforcement agencies, elected officials, retired officers, policing & academic experts, and other nonprofit organizations to best understand the current landscape and get advice on forming TCAPP. He also attended the Atlanta Citizens Police Academy. 

TCAPP was officially formed in the State of Georgia in 2022. A strategic plan for TCAPP's first phase of programming was then drafted in collaboration with local and international experts on community and police relations. 

So far, TCAPP has engaged with groups and individuals, numerous leaders, community groups, academics, and similar nonprofits across metro Atlanta. We have also met with numerous local law enforcement agencies and police foundations, as well as public-input groups for policing such as citizen review boards and citizens advisory councils. Our work has included conversations with organizations like the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GAPC) and The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). In addition, we've spoken with organizations seeking policing alternatives like mental health diversion. 

Outside of Atlanta, we have met with community leaders, police, and experts who have led successful efforts that improved trust, communication, transparency, and accountability. For example, the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing at Arizona State University explained different ways in which police can solve issues and not just respond to frequent similar calls. Or, when we spoke to former police officers and community leaders from places like Northern Ireland and South Africa, they detailed how instrumental Community & Problem Oriented Policing was to changing their approach to policing and building trust with communities. 

TCAPP staff regularly participate in police ride-alongs, neighborhood meetings, town halls, policing workshops, youth outreach centers, community and police events (like National Night Out and several locally organized events), and volunteer activities.