Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Oscar Atkinson succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous night while attempting to arrest a man who was threatening to kill his wife in their home.
The 62-year-old suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. He was later awarded a new trial and sentenced to life in 1929. He was pardoned on November 8, 1933.
Officer Atkinson had served with the Griffin Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his wife, two brothers, and five sisters. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two brothers, and five sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-GA-B5A7D8BB- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Atkinson gave the Griffin Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Griffin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Atkinson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Oscar Atkinson is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In GA, 548 of 903 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.7% of this state's fallen. That is 6.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Griffin Police Department, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Oscar Atkinson's cause is highlighted.
How Oscar Atkinson Compares
Offender Outcome
Pardoned in 1933
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Oscar Atkinson is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Oscar Atkinson was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Griffin Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
