DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson Reaffirms Commitment to Public Safety Following Weekend Incidents on S. Hairston Road

Following two separate shooting incidents near a shopping plaza on South Hairston Road and just a week after the senseless murders of 29-year-old Tomika Pullins and her 7-year-old niece, Dior Scott, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is reaffirming the County’s commitment to both immediate and long-term public safety solutions.

While the DeKalb County Police Department continues its investigations and community engagement efforts, the Office of the CEO is focused on deploying innovative resources, strengthening law enforcement infrastructure, and investing in systems designed to deter and prevent violent crime.

“These incidents are heartbreaking, and they reaffirm why public safety remains one of my top priorities,” said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “Our residents deserve to feel safe—whether they are shopping, working, or raising families in DeKalb County. We are actively working on real solutions that address both prevention and accountability.”

Progress Made: Homicide Reduction Signals Impact

We acknowledge that summer often brings an uptick in violent incidents. Longer days, school breaks, and heat-related stressors create a challenging environment. Our expanded public safety measures are designed with this seasonal reality in mind, ensuring increased visibility, rapid response, and targeted prevention efforts during high-risk periods.

While challenges remain, the County’s public safety efforts are making a measurable difference. DeKalb County has seen a significant reduction in homicides year over year. As of June 22, 2025, homicides are down 34% Year to Date.

“These numbers show we are moving in the right direction,” said Cochran-Johnson. “But even one life lost is one too many. We still have work to do, and we are not letting up.”

Current Initiatives Underway: Rapid Response and Community Investment

To supplement the work of the DeKalb County Police Department, the County has deployed the following tools in high-crime areas:

• Mobile Police Precincts: Rotating units are placed in neighborhoods experiencing increased violence, providing visibility, deterrence, and community presence.
• Increased Patrol Recruitment: DKPD continues aggressive recruitment efforts to boost the number of patrol officers on the streets.
• School-Based Prevention Programs: In collaboration with DeKalb County Schools, the County has invested $250,000 in school-based initiatives to teach conflict resolution, civic responsibility, and de-escalation skills that young people can carry into adulthood.

What’s Coming Next: Major Public Safety Investments

DeKalb County is making bold, long-term investments to modernize public safety infrastructure and support law enforcement.

• $10.8 Million Reallocation for Police Pay and Benefits: Earlier this year, the County approved a significant reallocation of funds to increase police salaries and benefits—ensuring that DeKalb remains competitive in recruiting and retaining high-quality officers. As of June 1, 2025, police signed recruits are up 151% over last year. 
• Enhanced Recruitment Efforts: The County continues targeted recruitment strategies to address vacancies and strengthen the department’s presence across communities.
• $2 Million Real-Time Crime Center: A centralized, countywide technology hub is in development to allow police to monitor, track, and respond to crimes in real time. This includes an expansion of video surveillance across the county, feeding live data into the center.
• Drone-as-First-Responder Pilot Program: This innovative pilot will allow drones to arrive at emergency scenes ahead of ground units, providing live aerial footage and increasing officer and civilian safety.

A Call to Action: What We Need from the Community

While DeKalb County continues to prioritize public safety, CEO Cochran-Johnson reminds residents that building safer neighborhoods requires shared responsibility.

“We cannot police our way out of these challenges alone,” said Cochran-Johnson. “We need parents, mentors, faith leaders, educators, and residents to continue to partner with us by reporting what they see, sharing tips, and guiding our youth toward safer futures.”

Residents are encouraged to submit anonymous tips via the Tip411 app or text “DKPD” followed by your tip to 84741.

DeKalb County remains committed to a public safety strategy that is visible, responsive, data-informed, and community-centered. These recent acts of violence do not define the future of our neighborhoods. They underscore the urgency and the collective responsibility we all share in building a safer DeKalb.

For updates and safety resources, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov