Officers with the Atlanta Police Department are continuing to call out of work in protest after one of their own was charged with felony murder.
The department is so desperate to get its officers to work it is offering a $500 bonus for officers who work during “civil unrest.”
But what good is $500 when you can get charged with felony murder for doing your job, as is what happened to former officer Garrett Rolfe, The Daily Mail reported.
The call outs come after ‘scores’ of officers failed to turn up for work for the evening shift and people monitoring the police scanner reported near radio silence.
Most’ officers called out sick, according to Facebook page Things Police See: First Hand Accounts, a page run by Former Massachusetts police officer Steve Gould who interviews police officers across the country.
He reported that many officers were ‘busy filling out applications to other agencies outside Fulton County,’ where Rolfe’s charges were filed.
A Metro Atlanta officer told the outlet Thursday: ‘It’s been a hell of a night here and today’s not looking much better, it’s 0700 here with day watch supposed to be starting and no one is showing up either so we may have to go assist now.’
‘This is very sad to see the city this way. I don’t see it getting any better anytime soon,’ the officer added.
On Thursday, a day after the callouts began, the Atlanta Police Department announced the $500 bonus incentive for officers.
“Breaking: I’ve learned every Atlanta Police Officer will receive a 1-time $500 bonus today. Paid for by the Atlanta Police Foundation, not city funds.
“A thank you for the hard work & long hours of Covid19 & protests.,” WSBTV reporter Justin Gray said.
It will add up to more than $2 million in money the foundation has raised. No city funds will be used to pay for the bonuses.
They’ll also be purchasing 20 police cars to replace those that were destroyed in protests a few weeks ago.
Since the charges against former officer Rolfe were announced on Wednesday more than $200,000 has been raised by private citizens to aid him in his legal defense, the Georgia Law Enforcement Organization reported.
“Officer Rolfe was involved in the justified shooting of Rayshard Brooks on June 12th, 2020. The videos clearly show that the shooting was justified; however, the District Attorney Paul Howard, who is losing his election, has chosen to charge Officer Rolfe with 11 charges including Felony Murder, and it is 100% for political gain,” it said
“The DA is losing his election, and he is also under investigation himself for stealing $185,000 in tax money, and transferring it directly into his personal account.
“This fundraiser is designed to help Officer Rolfe and his family to pay for legal services and general necessities,” it said.
