DeKalb County Police Continue Safety Checkpoints to Deter Crime and Reduce Traffic Fatalities as Part of “Operation Safe Streets”

As part of an aggressive countywide effort to crack down on crime and reckless driving, the DeKalb County Police Department’s (DKPD) Special Operations Division conducted its second Spring Operation Safety Checkpoint on Friday, April 25. The ongoing initiative is a cornerstone of CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson’s public safety strategy, which combines proactive policing, multi-agency collaboration, and targeted enforcement to reduce crime and save lives.

Held at Glenwood Rd. and Shoal Creek Park II, the checkpoint focused on ensuring motorists were driving lawfully and safely. Officers screened for valid licenses, registration, insurance, impaired driving, and equipment violations, while distributing educational materials on traffic safety. The checkpoint was supported by the DUI STAR Team, Motors Unit, SWAT, and STEP Units.

“We are working hard to create safe streets across DeKalb,” said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “Our Safety Checkpoints are yielding tremendous results. We are getting criminals off the street and our presence deters criminal activity. I am grateful for our dedicated team of officers who support these efforts. You can count on us to have a strong presence throughout the summer, because it is during this time, we see the highest uptick in criminal activity.”

This past weekend’s safety checkpoint resulted in 4 arrests, 75 traffic citations and the recovery of a firearm. It followed a successful safety checkpoint earlier in the month held at 2936 Memorial Drive near Candler Road. The strategic coordination and dedication of DKPD officers resulted in a cumulative total of 135 citations, 10 arrests, 2 guns seized, and 1.3 pounds of marijuana seized during the two checkpoints. 

According to DKPD, 26 motor vehicle fatalities have already occurred this year. The top contributing factors continue to be impaired driving and speeding. These operations aim not only to identify dangerous drivers but to deter lawless behavior and educate the public about responsible driving.

“Thanks to the dedication of our officers and the cooperation of the community, our safety checkpoints have been a success in promoting safer roads for everyone,” said Interim Chief Greg Padrick. “These efforts not only help to reduce incidents but also ensure we are doing everything we can to protect lives and prevent accidents in DeKalb County.”
Additional multi-agency enforcement efforts, including undercover operations and community-centered safety campaigns, will continue throughout the spring and summer.