Statesboro Police Chief Mike Broadhead delivered his annual report to City Council last week, highlighting a significant decrease in overall crime, particularly violent crimes, over the past decade. Chief Broadhead emphasized the importance of long-term trends, noting that focusing on a decade-long view helps smooth out yearly fluctuations and provides a clearer picture of crime patterns.
"Looking at it more on a decade basis, I think, gives us a better place to really see what's happening," Broadhead explained. He pointed to a dramatic reduction in homicides over the last ten years, despite a spike in 2020. The department has also seen success in combating specific issues, such as home invasion robberies, which have steadily declined.
Aggravated assaults, while showing a recent dip in 2022, have returned to more typical levels. Broadhead cautioned against overreacting to short-term fluctuations, emphasizing that crime rates are significantly lower than they were in 1991, despite the city's population having more than doubled. "We are in a much better position per capita today than we were all the way back in 1991," he stated.
Property crimes, including larceny, shoplifting, and burglaries, have also seen a general decline over the past ten years. The chief was particularly pleased with the decrease in burglaries, noting that most are not residential but rather involve roommate situations or unsecured belongings.
The report also showcased the department's commitment to training, with officers averaging 173 hours of training annually, far exceeding the state requirement. A new assistant program staffed by college interns has proven successful in handling minor incidents like property crashes and traffic direction, freeing up sworn officers for more critical duties. This program handled over 1,300 property crashes in the past year.
Use of force incidents remained low, with only 14 reported incidents out of nearly 11,000 arrests in 2022. Broadhead stressed the department's thorough review process for all use of force incidents, including body camera footage and multiple layers of supervisory review.
The department responded to over 45,000 calls for service, averaging 130 calls per day. Officers issued nearly twice as many warnings as citations, reflecting a focus on community engagement and de-escalation. Traffic crashes, particularly on the bypass, remain a concern, and the department is working on engineering solutions to slow traffic and reduce the severity of accidents.
The use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) has resulted in 47 felony arrests in the past 12 months, demonstrating the technology's effectiveness. Chief Broadhead also highlighted the department's commitment to transparency, noting that nearly all records are publicly accessible.
In January, the police department took over dispatch duties for the fire service, adding nearly 1,500 fire calls to their workload. Despite the increased call volume, the department is actively working to fill five officer vacancies and has several candidates in the hiring process. Broadhead expressed optimism about reaching full staffing levels soon.
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Chief Charles “Mike” Broadhead highlights the department’s ongoing mission to create a safer Statesboro by reducing crime, building trust, and ensuring the well-being of citizens. The report showcases the department’s growth, advancements in technology, officer training, and new initiatives that have strengthened SPD’s ability to serve the community effectively.
One of the biggest steps forward in 2024 was the implementation of an enhanced pay package for SPD personnel. With strong support from the City Council, this investment in public safety has significantly improved officer retention and recruitment, addressing past staffing challenges.
SPD has also embraced cutting-edge technology to enhance Precision Policing efforts. The expansion of the Fusus video-sharing platform and the Flock license plate reader system has dramatically improved crime detection, suspect identification, and investigative efficiency. These advancements have allowed officers to develop leads faster and solve cases more effectively.
Another major milestone in 2024 was the reinstatement of the Impact Team, a specialized unit focused on reducing drug, gang, and firearm-related crimes. The team now includes a Crime Analyst and a Task Force Officer assigned to the regional GBI Drug Enforcement Unit, further strengthening SPD’s ability to combat crime proactively.
Chief Broadhead emphasizes that SPD’s commitment to its core values: Duty, Honor, and Community: is reflected in its dedication to training, officer development, and the recruitment of top tier personnel.
“As we move forward, I am proud of the work our officers, dispatchers, and professional staff continue to do every day,” said Chief Broadhead. “This report is a reflection of their hard work, and I hope you enjoy reviewing the information.”
The 2024 Annual Report provides a comprehensive look at SPD’s accomplishments, challenges, and goals for the future, reaffirming the department’s dedication to serving and protecting the Statesboro community.
The SPD has placed a strong emphasis on officer training and professional development, as reflected in its 2024 Annual Report. Over the past year, SPD sent 14 new officers to Basic Mandate Training, a 408-hour program that collectively totaled 5,712 training hours. As of January 2025, the department has already enrolled two additional cadets in the academy.
Beyond basic training, SPD continued to develop specialized skills among its personnel. The K9 Unit received 690 training hours, while the SWAT Team underwent an extensive 2,235 hours of training to enhance tactical preparedness.
Department wide, training efforts reached 82 sworn officers, who averaged 173.4 training hours each, and 24 civilian employees, who averaged 24.4 hours of training. In total, 106 personnel participated in professional development courses covering a diverse range of law enforcement topics.
SPD’s commitment to ongoing education and skill building ensures that both sworn and civilian personnel remain equipped to serve the community effectively and safely.
The SPD continued to strengthen its training programs in 2024, adding new certified instructors and improving firearm proficiency across the department.
Captain Kaleb Moore achieved his Senior Instructor Level II certification, further expanding SPD’s internal training capabilities. Additionally, five new general instructors joined the ranks: Lt. Dena Colson, Det. Dustin Cross, Sgt. Jeremy Hancock, Cpl. Matthew Simons, and Cpl. Pablo Ventura. Their expertise will help ensure that officers receive high-quality instruction in various law enforcement disciplines.
Firearm qualifications also saw notable improvements, with officers achieving an overall pistol average of 272.4, the highest recorded since tracking began in 2021. The number of officers qualifying as "Expert" shooters increased significantly, rising from 27.6% to 41.4%.
These advancements reflect SPD’s ongoing commitment to excellence in training and officer preparedness, ensuring the highest level of proficiency and safety in the field.
The SPD remains committed to accountability and transparency in its Use of Force policies, which are governed by department regulations, state and federal law, and continuous officer training. According to SPD’s Law Enforcement Operations Manual (LEOM), officers are required to report any use of force under the following conditions:
- When force results in injury, a complaint of injury, or the death of another person.
- When force is applied using lethal or less-lethal weapons or tools, regardless of whether an injury occurs.
Since 2018, SPD officers have made 10,713 arrests, with only 120 cases requiring the use of force, a rate of less than 1%. This statistic underscores the department’s focus on de-escalation, officer training, and responsible policing in interactions with the community.
INTERNAL AFFAIRS: SUMMARY OF INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS
In 2024, a total of eight formal investigations were conducted. Of these, seven were sustained, while one remained under investigation at the end of the year.
- Two investigations resulted in termination of employment.
- One employee resigned while under investigation.
- Two investigations led to suspensions without pay.
- One resulted in a letter of reprimand.
- One led to removal from a special assignment.
EXTERNAL CITIZEN COMPLAINTS
A total of 24 complaints were filed against department employees in 2024.
- 20 complaints were determined to be unfounded, exonerated, or not sustained.
- 4 complaints were sustained:
- 1 resulted in the officer being assigned to additional training.
- 1 was referred for a formal internal affairs investigation, which led to a letter of reprimand.
- 1 led to termination of employment following an internal affairs investigation.
- 1 resulted in formal counseling.
TOP 10 CITATIONS OF 2024
- Speeding - 494
- Following Too Closely - 259
- Failure to Yield - 246
- Obedience to Traffic Control Devices - 226
- Starting Parked Vehicle - 197
- Failure to Maintain Lane - 147
- Seatbelt Required - 129
- Stop Sign Violation - 128
- Unlawful Use of Wireless Device - 105
- Possession of Marijuana - 103
Total calls in 2022: 41,897
Total calls in 2023: 43,777
Total calls in 2024: 45,508
TRAFFIC Reports
In 2024, the SPD investigated a total of 1,355 crashes within the city. Additionally, the Georgia State Patrol handled 73 crashes within our jurisdiction, bringing the total number of reported crashes to 1,428.
THE TOP FIVE INTERSECTIONS FOR CRASHES FOR 2024:
- Veterans Memorial Parkway & Fair Road: 135 Crashes
- Veterans Memorial Parkway & Lanier Drive: 88 Crashes
- Veterans Memorial Parkway & Northside Drive East: 74 Crashes
- Veterans Memorial Parkway & South Main Street: 59 Crashes
- Veterans Memorial Parkway & Brannen Street: 53 Crashes
The SPD continues to enhance its operations through specialized programs and strategic improvements. The Roadway Assist (RA) program, Communications Center expansion, and Operations Bureau initiatives have played a vital role in improving efficiency, freeing up officer time, and strengthening investigative capabilities.
Roadway Assist Program
Developed to provide additional services to the community while allowing sworn officers to focus on higher-priority incidents, the Roadway Assist (RA) program is staffed exclusively by college interns. The program has successfully handled private property crashes, assisted with traffic control at accident scenes, and provided aid to disabled motorists.
In 2024, RA handled 2,206 total calls, including:
- 536 responses to crashes on private property.
- 1,381 assists with crashes on public roadways.
- 289 assists to motorists, such as providing emergency fuel, tire changes, and obstruction removal.
By managing non-emergency situations, the RA program ensures that sworn officers remain available for urgent public safety needs.
Communications Center Expansion
In January 2024, SPD’s Communications Center expanded its role to include dispatching for the fire department in addition to police operations.
Throughout the year, the center handled 46,995 dispatched calls, including:
- 45,508 police-related calls.
- 1,487 fire-related calls.
This expansion has streamlined emergency response efforts, improving coordination between law enforcement and fire services to enhance public safety and efficiency.
Operations Bureau & Criminal Investigations Division
The Operations Bureau is responsible for establishing procedures that enable the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) to effectively conduct thorough and professional investigations. These responsibilities include:
- Recovering stolen property.
- Processing crime scenes.
- Conducting interviews.
- Preparing and reviewing cases for court.
All policies and procedures within the Operations Bureau align with department regulations, as well as federal and state laws. By gathering and analyzing intelligence, SPD ensures that criminal investigations are comprehensive, efficient, and effective.
With these enhanced operational strategies, SPD continues to reinforce its commitment to public safety, investigative excellence, and responsive emergency services for the Statesboro community.
PRECISION POLICING: FUSUS
Fusus is a cloud-based mapping interface that integrates private and public video streams into a single, real-time feed, enhancing accessibility for officers and dispatchers. Through their vehicle onboard computers, officers can access more than 1,000 video cameras spread across over 70 locations throughout the city. Similarly, dispatchers can view these same cameras from the Communications Center while coordinating officer response to incidents.
This technology improves officer safety, efficiency, and situational awareness while handling calls. Additionally, it aids in gathering video-based evidence after an event. Access to private video feeds is granted through agreements with property owners, allowing law enforcement to integrate their systems into the Fusus network. As more locations participate in video sharing, the system becomes even more efficient and precise, further enhancing public safety efforts.
PRECISION POLICING: FLOCK
FLOCK is an interconnected system of license plate readers (LPRs) that provides real-time data to officers in the field. Specific license plates can be entered into the system, and when one of those vehicles passes a FLOCK camera, the information is instantly transmitted to officers in their patrol cars.
These systems have become an indispensable tool for officers and dispatchers, playing a vital role in everyday investigations. The frequency with which they are used is so significant that they have been compared to essential technology like phones and computers, making their impact on law enforcement nearly immeasurable.
RECORDS UNIT ACTIVITY
In 2024, the SPD's Records Unit processed and distributed a total of 4,101 records, including open records requests, files, videos, local record checks, criminal histories, and reports.
Led by Records Supervisor Lyn Dedge, the unit works diligently to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and timely distribution of all records. Their commitment to maintaining precise documentation and responding promptly to requests plays a crucial role in supporting both law enforcement operations and public transparency.
In January 2024, the Communications Center expanded its services to include dispatching for the fire department in addition to the police department. Over the year, the center handled a total of 46,995 dispatched calls, including 45,508 police calls and 1,487 fire calls. This expansion has improved coordination between emergency services, ensuring faster and more efficient responses to both law enforcement and fire-related incidents.
SWAT TEAM OPERATIONS
The SPD SWAT Team is an elite unit of specially trained officers equipped to handle high-risk and life-threatening situations. Their primary mission is to mitigate armed resistance using specialized tactics in scenarios such as hostage situations, barricaded subjects, and active shooter incidents. The presence of a highly trained tactical team has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of injury and loss of life for citizens, officers, and suspects.
In 2024, SWAT conducted 21 deployments, including 17 Quick Response Missions at Georgia Southern University for football games and graduations. The team also assisted the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, and GBI by executing high-risk search warrants and serving as a tactical response unit in critical operations.
IMPACT TEAM REINSTATEMENT
In 2024, the Impact Team was reinstated to enhance enforcement efforts within the city. The SPD's Impact Team is dedicated to reducing alcohol, drug, gang, firearm, and quality-of-life crimes while also regulating and enforcing alcohol compliance. The team conducts both overt and covert investigations, ensuring that violations are addressed effectively to promote a safer community.
K9 UNIT
The SPD's K9 Unit consists of two specialized teams: Corporal Kyle Briley with K9 Harley and Advanced Patrol Officer Patrick Webb with K9 Smokey. These teams play a crucial role in law enforcement operations, assisting with tracking suspects, detecting narcotics, and enhancing officer safety in the field.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
In 2024, the SPD gained 5,038 new followers across all social media platforms, reflecting a significant increase in public engagement. Key performance metrics, including content interaction, follower count, published content, and media reach, all showed substantial growth.
At the end of 2023, interaction levels had increased by 44.8%. By the end of 2024, that number had surged to 194.5%, with engagement alone rising by 149.7%.
Social media continues to be an essential tool for connecting with the community, communicating important updates, publicizing events, and fostering a sense of familiarity and trust between the public and department staff.
The SPD honored its top personnel in the 2024 Annual Report, recognizing officers, dispatchers, and support staff for their outstanding dedication and service to the community.
The following individuals were recognized for their exceptional contributions:
- Officer of the Year – Kyle Wright
- Detective of the Year – Dustin Cross
- Dispatcher of the Year – Nikki Taylor
- Support Person of the Year – Terri Frost
- Supervisor of the Year – Jessica Collins
- Rookie of the Year – Aaron Milton
- Leader of the Year – Kyle Briley
Additionally, the Chief’s Award of Excellence was presented to both sworn and civilian staff who went above and beyond their job duties. This prestigious award is personally selected by the Chief of Police to recognize individuals whose performance exceeds expectations and contributes significantly to the department’s success.
On December 18, 2024, Advanced Patrol Officer Kasey Baynon, Corporal Dillon Shepherd, and Corporal Jodie Tanner received the Meritorious Service Award for their response to a crisis situation involving a suicidal man. Shepherd and Baynon successfully negotiated with the individual for 30 minutes, convincing him to put down his firearm and seek medical attention. Tanner, as the first arriving supervisor, ensured scene safety, coordinated the evacuation of family members, and provided overall supervision. Their teamwork, patience, and professionalism led to a peaceful resolution and exemplified SPD’s commitment to protecting the community.
On November 20, 2024, Sergeant Jennifer Strosnider, Officer David Blythe, Officer Sara Leggett, and citizen Shadrach Frew were recognized with the Lifesaving Award for their quick and effective response to an overdose incident on September 14.
Mr. Shadrach Frew heard a woman screaming for help outside his residence, as her friend had accidentally overdosed while driving and became unconscious. Without hesitation, Frew administered a dose of Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug.
Officers Strosnider, Blythe, and Leggett arrived and immediately began life-saving efforts. Frew administered a second dose of Naloxone, while Officers Blythe and Leggett performed CPR. Blythe then applied a third dose of Naloxone, which successfully revived the individual.
EMS transported the man to the hospital, where an attending physician confirmed that the combination of Naloxone and chest compressions saved his life. Their swift actions and teamwork were instrumental in preventing a tragedy.
On April 18, 2024, Officer Joey DeLoach responded to a car prowler call at Copper Beech Apartments when he confronted a suspect actively breaking into a vehicle. The suspect opened fire, striking Officer DeLoach, who returned fire before the suspect fled into the darkness.
Officer DeLoach sustained a severe gunshot wound, with a bullet severing his femoral artery. Recognizing the urgency, he attempted to apply a tourniquet but was unable to complete the task due to blood loss.
Officer Nicholas Sparks-Hoskins arrived quickly, properly applied a tourniquet, and assisted in transporting DeLoach to the emergency room in a patrol car. The ER doctor kept the tourniquet in place before DeLoach was airlifted to Savannah for emergency surgery. The trauma surgeon later confirmed that without the tourniquet, Officer DeLoach would not have survived.
For his quick thinking, skill, and professionalism under extreme pressure, Officer Nicholas Sparks-Hoskins has been nominated as Public Servant of the Year.
