ATLANTA, GEORGIA – Dr. George Napper, the first African American Chief of Police, appointed by Mayor Maynard H. Jackson and the first Commissioner for the Department of Children & Youth Services, appointed by Governor Zell Miller, strongly supports the marijuana legislation proposed by City Councilman Kwanza Hall. Dr. Napper’s relationship with the criminal justice system and young people makes him uniquely qualified to evaluate and offer insight in the proposed marijuana legislation, according to a press release.
"I applaud Councilman Kwanza Hall’s recent effort in introducing legislation to decriminalize marijuana arrests and convictions," Napper said. "As Chief of Police I saw first-hand the destruction of young people’s futures due to juvenile indiscretions. The present law has inordinately affected young African American males and exacerbated the attendant community ills associated therewith. I strongly support Councilman Hall’s struggle to provide a non-criminal pathway for the youth of the City of Atlanta."
Dr. Napper served as Chief from 1978-1982, when he was promoted to Public Safety Commissioner. He has a PhD in Criminology from the University of California at Berkeley and taught Criminology at Spelman for five years. He served under Commissioner of Public Safety Dr. Lee Brown and Mayor Maynard Jackson. In 1986, he served as the President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Officials (NOBLE).
"I am so pleased to have the endorsement of this legislation from someone with the experience and credentials of Dr. Napper," said Hall. "We can and must do better for the people of Atlanta and take this important step to reduce racial bias in policing in our City."
