January 12, 2026 – Decatur Police, city officials, and community leaders held a press conference to address recent gun violence and ask the community for more assistance…particularly parents.
Officials said a concerning rise in shootings at the end of 2025 has carried into the new year, with two homicides already reported in 2026. While police emphasized that every incident is taken seriously, Decatur Police Chief Brad Allen said violent crime remains the department’s top priority, with immediate and sustained attention from officers and investigators.
Police noted that 2025 marked a three-year low in overall shooting incidents, with 92 reported cases, compared to 179 shootings in 2021. During 2025, officers also seized 312 illegal firearms off the streets.
According to Decatur Police, many recent shooting incidents involve known individuals and groups. In response, the department is deploying additional personnel and strengthening partnerships with local organizations, including Decatur Public Schools, social service agencies, community groups, faith leaders, and youth organizations.
Chief Allen repeatedly stressed the importance of parental involvement, urging parents to stay informed about their children’s activities and peer groups. Officials also encouraged residents to report suspicious activity and provide tips to police, emphasizing that silence protects offenders—not neighborhoods.
Police and city leaders also cautioned the public to stay informed responsibly, encouraging residents to rely on verified facts rather than rumors or fear-driven narratives circulating on social media.
Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe echoed the call for parental involvement, saying prevention begins at home and requires active engagement from families and the community.
The department pointed to the importance of School Resource Officer programs and said officials are exploring the return of the D.A.R.E. program, with a renewed focus on decision-making skills.
