Marcus K. Garner, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | Monday, September 26, 2011

Peter Andresen was a fixture of the Atlanta Police Department's leadership team when he retired in June after more than 30 years with the force.

But after only two months out of uniform, the former assistant police chief has returned to crime fighting, this time with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.

"I was really excited to come to work with Sheriff [Ted] Jackson," Andresen told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

"I think it's a natural progression for people to begin to think about a second career."

He began working this month for Jackson as a lieutenant colonel, taking command of the sheriff's Law Enforcement Division.

"The sheriff wants to increase the Law Enforcement Division's profile throughout the city," Andresen said. "If people get to have a better impression of the Sheriff's Office, they'll be more likely to call us when they need help."

Andresen supervises about 100 deputies and civilians whose duties include serving warrants, transporting prisoners, locating sex offenders and conducting hostage negotiations. He also oversees a SWAT team, gang unit and canine unit.

Jackson cited Andresen's "sound reputation built over the years" in service to the community as something he wanted to bring to the Sheriff's Office.

Andresen joined the APD in 1980 after moving from Flint, Mich., where jobs were scarce. In 13 years, he rose to the rank of lieutenant, working as a beat officer, field investigator, detective and sergeant on his way up.

As a lieutenant, he led the APD's Red Dog tactical drug unit and the evening watch of the motorcycle unit before being promoted to major in 1999 and commanding the police special operations section.

After a year commanding the precinct at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Andresen was promoted in 2003 to deputy chief over criminal investigations.

He then took over the Field Operations Division, which included managing all six police zones, the airport, the Crime Analysis Unit and Atlanta's Police Athletic League.

In January 2010, Turner was named Atlanta's interim chief and selected Andresen as his second-in-command.

Jackson approached Andresen about the Fulton job at Andresen's going-away party.

"Lt. Col. Andresen has demonstrated that he is a great leader with excellent contacts," Jackson said. "He is an innovator."

Andresen has quickly set about using his contacts to help increase the Sheriff's Office's activity with the county's recidivism task force.

He has sought grants and provided direction on how deputies can help inmates at the county jail return to civilian life and avoid becoming repeat offenders.

Andresen also has emphasized the need to help inmates gain job skills and become constructive members of the community.

"The big thing is not to arrest away the problem," Andresen said. "We don't want people getting out [of jail] without skills."

Andresen said he hopes to help improve the entire organization.

"With partnerships and raising everyone's professionalism," he said, "we'll be a better agency."