criminal justice
-
Athens-Clarke County
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…
-
Athens-Clarke County
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…
-
Athens-Clarke County
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…
-
Athens-Clarke County
From Incarcerated to Advocate: How One Man Uses His Experience to Help Individuals with Reentry
With Georgia placing among the top four states with the highest rates of incarceration, one advocate for criminal justice reform is using his personal experience to help other formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into their communities. For Tony Kitchens, Georgia Center for Opportunity’s (GCO) Field Director of Prison Fellowship and board…
-
Athens-Clarke County
Officer-Involved Shooting in Athens-Clarke County Remains Under Investigation
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department has released the body camera footage from the officer-involved shooting in Athens on Oct. 14. On Oct. 14, Athens-Clarke County police were called to the 100 block of Chalfont Drive in Athens for a “suspicious person involving a female who was said to be armed…
-
Athens-Clarke County
The Changing Fight Against Property Crime in Athens
Imagine how weirded out you would feel if you left your home for a week, and came back to find out a stranger had been sleeping in your bed. “Weirded out” is probably the bare minimum reaction to such an invasion. Mary Kate Donahue and Lauren Linkowski used words like…
-
Athens-Clarke County
24 Years After Death of Edward Wright, What Does Public Think of Police Now?
Nearly a quarter century ago, Edward Wright, a 20-year-old unarmed black man, was shot and killed by police in Athens-Clarke County. His crime? Indecent exposure. Police officials were called after Wright was seen nude around Martin Circle in East Athens, which then led to a brawl and ultimately six shots…
-
Athens-Clarke County
Can Foster Homes Keep up with the Increase of Children Entering the Foster Care System?
Dr. John DeGarmo lost his first child 23 years ago. This loss fueled a passion in Dr. DeGarmo to help children who are suffering. He and his wife Dr. Kelly DeGarmo opened their doors to more than 60 foster children. Nationwide the increase in the number of children in need…
-
Athens-Clarke County
Somebody Call 9-1-1: How it All Works
Strict procedure and technological innovation has allowed 9-1-1 centers, like those in Athens-Clarke-County, to be able to locate exactly where an emergency call is coming from. They can use this real-time information to readily dispatch the appropriate officers to the scene. RapidSOS One of the key tools 9-1-1 dispatchers…
-
Athens-Clarke County
Athens-Clarke County to End Cash Bail, So What are the Alternatives?
According to Mayor Kelly Girtz, the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission plan to take steps to end cash bail at the municipal court level this spring. The Municipal Court handles county ordinance violations, state misdemeanor traffic violations, state misdemeanor crimes of theft by shoplifting, possession of less than an ounce…