Criminal Justice
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How Invisible Scars Turn Pain into Purpose
Editor’s Note: This series of stories explores how individuals have turned challenging experiences and obstacles into opportunities — particularly around mental health. July 23, 2017. Freedom Day. That’s when a nightmare ended for Genesis, only six days shy of her 18th birthday. That’s when the FBI finally rescued her. The…
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More Cameras, More Questions: Inside Northeast Georgia’s Growing Surveillance Network
Drivers in Northeast Georgia may have noticed more cameras lately at busy intersections, in neighborhoods and even on the University of Georgia’s campus. The public’s perception of these cameras, however, is often not quite right. The poles with mounted solar panels look like speed-monitoring devices. In reality, these are automatic…
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Athens’ Leaders Cite Youth Programs, Police Staffing as Factors in Crime Rate Drop
Major violent crimes, including homicide and robbery, declined significantly in Athens-Clarke County in 2025, with local officials crediting several factors and initiatives introduced last year. Several members of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, including Mayor Kelly Girtz, believe preventing crime starts with the youth. “The stressors are sometimes related to…
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Athens-Clarke County Jail Population Increases
The average daily population at the Athens-Clarke County Jail has increased to well over 400 and has even peaked at more than 500 inmates over the past year, straining staffing and increasing costs for the county. The increase reflects a combination of bond policy changes, poverty, mental health challenges and…
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Hope Behind Bars: How Clarke County Jail’s Re-Entry Program Is Changing Lives
When Cheyenne walked into the Clarke County Jail four and a half months ago, she thought she was stepping into another setback. Instead, she was greeted with a support system, new connections and eventually a diploma. On Oct. 16, 22-year-old Cheyenne became the second jail resident and first female to…
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Despite New Funding, Clarke County Jail Faces Ongoing Deputy Shortages
As Clarke County Jail’s inmate population continues to rise, the sheriff’s office is facing a widening gap between the number of inmates and deputies on staff. Four inmates have died in custody since April 2025. In a press conference held in July, Clarke County Sheriff John Q. Williams attributed some…
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Mayor Kelly Girtz Criticizes Loss of Federal Government Grants to Reduce Violence
Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz demanded that grants rescinded by the U.S. Department of Justice be restored to the state and local governing bodies. The federal grants, initially calculated as $820 million, were rescinded in April after the Trump administration sought to cut federal spending. Many of the grants were…
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Athens Mayor Notes Crime Drop, Emphasizes Prevention Programs
Aggravated assaults, robberies and motor vehicle thefts have declined in Athens-Clarke County this year, while the community has not recorded a homicide as of Sept. 23. Mayor Kelly Girtz outlined the trends during a Sept. 23 news conference with University of Georgia journalism students, framing public safety as not only…
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Athens-Clarke Hits Public Safety Milestones Amid Ongoing Reforms
Athens-Clarke County has recorded zero murders through September — a first in the county’s history — according to Mayor Kelly Girtz, who announced the milestone Sept. 23 at City Hall. In addition, there has been a significant decrease in major crimes compared to last year. Aggravated assaults dropped to 420,…
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Athens Implements North Thomas Street Crosswalk, Public Safety Measures
Athens-Clarke County will add a pedestrian crossing on North Thomas Street near The Classic Center following two car accidents that resulted in fatalities, Mayor Kelly Girtz said Sept. 23 in a news conference. This project will make the city safer for pedestrians and drivers, Girtz said, while discussing public safety…