Full Notification

As we closed out the New Year, criminal elements and bad actors took heed of the warnings issued by Clayton County’s law enforcement leadership, including our District Attorney, Solicitor General, Chief of Police, and my office, to refrain from criminal behavior and take reckless activity elsewhere.

As a result of this unified stance and proactive enforcement, there were zero homicides in Clayton County during the New Year’s Eve celebration.

The overwhelming majority of our residents made responsible choices. Alcohol was consumed responsibly across the county, resulting in only 10 DUI arrests for the evening.

Under Operation Night of Protection, citizens throughout Clayton County were able to celebrate safely and responsibly.

New Year’s Eve Enforcement Summary

    •    Total citizens contacted: 1,445

    •    Road safety checks conducted: 4

    •    Traffic citations issued: 266

    •    Traffic warnings issued: 459

    •    Total traffic stops: 629

    •    Misdemeanor arrests: 24

    •    Felony arrests: 7

    •    Total arrests: 31

    •    Stolen vehicles recovered: 1

    •    Stolen firearms recovered: 1

    •    Warrants cleared: 7

    •    DUI arrests: 10

Clayton County is home to approximately 300,000 residents, and since assuming the role of Sheriff in 2023, my top priority has been protecting the lives and safety of the people I serve.

Throughout 2025, the Clayton County Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office met weekly and worked in close coordination to strategically deploy officers and deputies in high-crime areas. This collaborative approach focused on deterrence, visibility, and proactive enforcement.

Through these collective efforts, we have saved lives, strengthened public safety, and significantly reduced violent crime, including homicides.

Homicide Trends in Clayton County from 2009 to 2025

    •    2009: 18

    •    2010: 15

    •    2011: 29

    •    2012: 28

    •    2013: 30

    •    2014: 26

    •    2015: 24

    •    2016: 48

    •    2017: 44

    •    2018: 43

    •    2019: 33

    •    2020: 35

    •    2021: 49

    •    2022: 59

    •    2023: 43

    •    2024: 26

    •    2025: 30

While the 2025 homicide total reflects four more incidents than the previous year, it is important to view this number in its proper long-term context:

    •    2025 marks one of the lowest homicide totals in nearly a decade

    •    The last time Clayton County recorded 30 or fewer homicides was 2015

    •    The last time homicides fell below 26 was also 2015

    •    Compared to the peak years between 2016 and 2022, when homicides reached as high as 59, the progress is both measurable and meaningful

Any loss of life is unacceptable, and we will never minimize that reality. However, the overall trend confirms that Clayton County is moving in the right direction.

We will continue to work relentlessly, collaboratively, and strategically to ensure Clayton County remains a place where families feel safe, communities are protected, and criminal activity is met with accountability.

SHERIFF LEVON ALLEN

Securing the Future. Protecting the Peace. 

Click the links below for video and news coverage of the New Year Operation 

Video Coverage of the New Year Operation 

https://youtu.be/9VX16ykSXCk?si=J9t6DIak0UzCF9sH

News coverage of the New Year Operation 

https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/01/01/clayton-county-police-officers-out-full-force-new-years-eve/