Santa Pays a Visit to APD's Zone 6

The way Keith Meadows sees it, policing isn't just about catching the bad guys; it's about setting a good example, being positive influences and having good interactions with the community.

That's especially true of it's kids.

It's why, Meadows, commander of the Atlanta Police Department's Zone 6 precinct, which stretches from East Lake to Grant Park, has looked for ways to have those positive experiences and interactions.

On Friday, Zone 6 was home base to Santa and about 70 kids who came to receive Christmas gifts of toys and other supplies that were collected from residents and businesses of the various neighborhoods in the zone as well as the officers, themselves.

Meadows, an East Atlanta native, said he wants folks, particularly the kids, to see the zone and its officers as partners and a safe haven.

"It's really important that the people in the community know that this is a safe place, to come, particularly, the children," Meadows said. "It was really important for us to give back to the community this year.

"We brought a lot of smiles to faces today."