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7 Crucial Updates On The Dalton Police Department: New Leadership, 2025 Crime Stats, And Key Facilities

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The Dalton Police Department (DPD) in Dalton, Georgia, continues its mission to provide professional, CALEA-accredited law enforcement services, with several significant updates and developments marking the transition into the 2025 calendar year. As of today, December 21, 2025, the department is focused on leveraging new infrastructure, maintaining its robust community outreach programs, and adapting to the latest crime trends in Whitfield County. This article provides a deep dive into the DPD's current structure, its most recent operational milestones, and the crucial programs designed to foster positive public interaction.

Recent efforts have centered on modernizing operational logistics, with the dedication of a major new facility, alongside a continued commitment to transparency and community involvement through its long-standing Citizens' Police Academy. The DPD's leadership team, under Chief Cliff Cason, remains dedicated to a proactive approach in addressing the community's evolving safety needs.

DPD Command Staff and Organizational Structure: A Complete Profile

The operational effectiveness of the Dalton Police Department is managed by a seasoned Command Staff, with most leaders having decades of experience within the agency. The department is organized into several key divisions, ensuring comprehensive coverage of patrol, investigation, and support functions.

  • Chief of Police: Cliff Cason

    Chief Cason began his career with the Dalton Police Department in 1993, starting as a patrol officer. After serving in various roles across the department, he was officially appointed as the Chief of Police in May 2018. His leadership has been instrumental in maintaining the department's national accreditation status.

  • Assistant Chief of Police: Chris Crossen

    Assistant Chief Crossen is the second-in-command, playing a critical role in administration, policy development, and public communication, notably addressing community concerns during high-profile incidents.

  • Captain, Criminal Investigations Division (CID): Barry Woods

    Captain Woods oversees the Criminal Investigations Division, which is responsible for the follow-up investigation of serious crimes. He has spent the majority of his career in the CID, serving as a general case investigator and a detective, bringing deep investigative expertise to the command team.

  • Captain, Patrol Division: Jamie Johnson

    Captain Johnson commands the Patrol Division, the most visible element of the DPD. This division is the first responder to emergency calls and maintains a 24/7 presence throughout the city. Each shift within the Patrol Division is supervised by a Lieutenant and a Sergeant, with a staffing of approximately 10 officer positions per shift.

  • Captain, Support Services Division: Shaun Scott

    Captain Scott leads the Support Services Division, which handles crucial behind-the-scenes functions, including training, technology, and fleet management, ensuring officers have the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively.

Fresh 2025 Operational Updates and Major Facility Dedication

The Dalton Police Department has recently finalized and dedicated a significant infrastructure project, directly impacting its operational efficiency and evidence management capabilities. This, coupled with the department's prestigious accreditation, highlights a commitment to modern, professional policing.

The New Property and Evidence Facility

In a major update for 2025, the Dalton Police Department officially dedicated its new Property and Evidence Facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This new building was expected to be "substantially complete" by May 2025, leading up to the official dedication in September 2025.

The facility is a critical component of the department’s operations, as the Property and Evidence Section is tasked with ensuring the proper, secure storage and maintenance of all items collected as evidence of crimes, as well as found property. The modern, dedicated space is designed to meet the rigorous standards required for maintaining the chain of custody for all evidence, which is vital for successful criminal prosecutions.

CALEA Accreditation: A Mark of Professionalism

The Dalton Police Department is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). This accreditation signifies that the department meets a high benchmark of professional standards in policy and practice. The Administration Division is responsible for the ongoing purchasing, budgeting, and accreditation processes that ensure the DPD maintains this prestigious status.

Current Crime Trends and Public Safety Challenges in Dalton, GA

The DPD regularly monitors and reports on crime statistics to the public and the City Council. While the overall crime numbers in Dalton are generally down compared to the five-year average, the department is actively addressing specific areas of concern that have seen recent increases.

Year-to-Date Crime Statistics (2024 vs. 2025)

According to recent reports presented to the Public Safety Commission, crime trends show a mixed picture:

  • Violent Crime: There has been a slight increase in violent crimes year-to-date in 2025, with 56 reported violent crimes compared to 50 during the same period in 2024.
  • Burglaries: Burglary incidents have also shown an increase compared to 2024 numbers.
  • Property Crime Decreases: Conversely, the department has seen a decrease in both larcenies and motor vehicle thefts year-to-date.

Despite the slight uptick in violent crime, Police Chief Cliff Cason has noted that most crime numbers are trending down when compared to the five-year average, indicating that the department’s long-term strategies are having a positive impact on public safety.

Community Engagement and Transparency Initiatives

A core belief of the Dalton Police Department is to provide professional quality service through positive interaction with its citizens. The DPD runs a variety of community programs designed to build trust, increase transparency, and educate the public on police procedures.

The 2025 Citizens' Police Academy

One of the most popular initiatives is the Citizens' Police Academy, which is scheduled to run its 2025 session starting on July 22 and concluding on August 28. The free, six-week course meets at the Police Services Center every Tuesday and Thursday evening.

The academy offers Dalton residents an intensive, behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the department. Topics covered include:

  • Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
  • Drug and Gang Unit Operations
  • Patrol Operations and Procedures
  • The history of policing and governing laws

Key Community Outreach Programs (LSI Entities)

The DPD’s community focus extends through several other vital programs, often in partnership with other local entities:

  • Shop with a Hero: An annual event where the DPD partners with the Dalton Fire Department to raise money and take underprivileged children shopping for the holidays.
  • Child Safety Seat Installations: Officers provide professional installation and inspection services to ensure car seats are correctly secured.
  • Prescription Drug Disposal: A program offering a safe and secure way for the public to dispose of unwanted or expired medications, preventing misuse.
  • Special Olympics of Georgia: The department actively supports and participates in fundraising efforts for the Special Olympics.

Addressing Recent High-Profile Incidents and Accountability

In line with its commitment to transparency, the Dalton Police Department has recently addressed a high-profile incident involving a wrongful traffic stop. This situation highlights the internal accountability mechanisms in place and the department's willingness to correct errors.

The incident involved a traffic stop of Ximena Arias-Cristobal, a case that garnered significant media attention after the stop led to an arrest by ICE. Following a thorough review of the dashcam video, the DPD and the City of Dalton’s prosecuting attorney determined that the traffic stop was unwarranted, and all charges against the individual were subsequently dropped.

In the aftermath, the officer involved, Leslie O'Neal, resigned. The department's Assistant Chief, Chris Crossen, publicly addressed questions regarding the case, reaffirming the commitment to reviewing all evidence and ensuring justice. This response underscores the DPD's adherence to professional standards, even when facing internal challenges and public scrutiny.

The Dalton Police Department, with its new facilities, defined leadership structure, and deep commitment to community engagement, is positioned to continue serving the citizens of Dalton, GA, with a focus on professional excellence and public trust throughout 2025 and beyond.

7 Crucial Updates on the Dalton Police Department: New Leadership, 2025 Crime Stats, and Key Facilities
dalton city police department
dalton city police department

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