The story of the Stop Cop City movement is linked to a long community fight in Atlanta, Georgia where people have been speaking out to protect a forest and question the need for a large police training center. The protest movement which is known everywhere as Stop Cop City did not suddenly appear. It slowly grew from local concerns and environmental worries. Over time, it became a national discussion about policing, public spending, environmental justice and community safety. Many people still ask When Did Stop Cop City Started? This question is important because it shows how the movement built up over months as more people learned about it.
When Did Stop Cop City Started
The Stop Cop City movement did not just begin on a single day. It started forming in 2021 when Atlanta officials announced the plan to build Atlanta Public Safety Center on forest land. At first, the discussion was small but as more details came out, activists, environmental groups, and local communities got involved. The opening of construction plans, the clearing of trees, the arrest of activists, and the killing of a protester pushed this movement into national attention. This cop city movement is not just about police training but it is also about public land, racial justice, environmental protection and how a city decides to spend its money.
Atlanta Stop Cop City Movement – Key Details
| Post Title | When Did Stop Cop City Started |
| Country Name | United States |
| Movement Name | Stop Cop City |
| Start of Movement | Early 2021 |
| Reason for Movement | Environmental concerns, fear of police militarization |
| Main Location | South River Forest, Atlanta, Georgia |
| Who Started Movement | Local Residents, Activists, Environmental Groups and Community Organizations |
| Forest Area Used | 85 Acres |
| Category | News |
When Did Atlanta Stop Cop City Movement Started?
The Stop Cop city movement officially began in 2021. This movement began after Atlanta city leaders announced the plan to build a large police and fire training center inside the South River Forest. The first public reaction appeared in spring and summer of 2021 when local communities learned that nearly 85 acres of forest land would be cleared for the project. People began holding meetings, marches and online campaigns. By September 2021, the Atlanta City Council approved the project after a long public comment session. At that time period, this movement had fully taken shape. This movement does not have one exact start date but if fully begun in 2021 and grows stronger through 2022 and 2023 as more people join.
Why the Stop Cop City Movement Started?
The Stop Cop City movement grew because people felt the project would create a long term harm in several ways and the reasons are:
- To Protect the Forest: The South River Forest is one of the few large green areas left in Atlanta, Georgia. Activists believe that destroying this area would worsen pollution, heat, flooding and environmental damage.
- Concerns About Police Militarization: Protestors felt that spending tens of millions of dollars on a facility would increase aggressive policing instead of creating community based safety.
- Public Money Use: A major concern was that public money was being used for this project. But the money would be utilized there then what about community needs that requires funding for housing, mental health services, social programs and education.
- Community Was Not Properly Heard: Many residents said that they were not included in the decision making process. Even after thousands of people spoke against the project during city council hearings, the project was still approved.
- The Death of a Protestor: In January 2023, a protestor named Manuel Esteban Paez Terán was killed during a police operation in this forest and this event brought national attention. This made this movement stronger as many people demanded answers and accountability.
All these reasons helped the Stop Cop City movement to grow into one of the strong protest efforts in Atlanta.
FAQs Related To When Did Stop Cop City Started
- Which year did the Stop Cop City movement begin?
- The Stop Cop City movement was begun in 2021 when the police training center plan was first announced.
- Why is this movement called Stop Cop City?
- Protestors call the training center a Cop City because it is for the training of police officers and fire fighters. Its looks like a mini city for police training.
- Has the Atlanta Stop Cop City movement stopped construction of the training center?
- No, the Atlanta Stop Cop City movement does not stop the construction of the training center.
- How long will the Stop Cop City Movement continue?
- There is no end date. Activists say they will continue as long as the center exists or until there is a major policy change. But the Cop City was officially opened on 29th April 2025
