DeKalb Police Beat Down Violence: A Look at the Numbers

The city of DeKalb has seen a sharp drop in violent crime over the last five years, with incidents falling from 263 to just 109. This 59 % decline shows that the police department’s efforts are making a real difference.

Police Leadership & Staffing

• Chief David Byrd now leads a fully staffed force of 75 officers, including seven new hires in 2025.
• The department’s budget is $19 million, with a focus on purposeful action. Byrd says the goal is to keep DeKalb safer by moving deliberately and building on past successes.

Crime Statistics

The only homicide in 2025 occurred early in the year when a young woman, Jasmine Dejournette, was found dead. The suspect, her boyfriend Devonne Montgomery, is in custody awaiting trial.

Investigations & Case Work

• 451 serious crime cases handled by the investigations unit.
• Detectives followed up on 246 of these; a specialized team handled the remaining 205.
• Over 1,700 public records requests processed and more than 1,600 background checks conducted.

Community Outreach

• Events: Fun Jam in the Park, National Night Out.
• Emergency alert system: Alert DeKalb keeps residents informed.
• Social media engagement on Facebook, X, and NextDoor strengthens public connection.

Leadership Transitions

• Deputy Chief Jason Leverton will retire on May 15 after nearly three decades of service. He praised the department’s community focus, noting that engagement has grown even stronger under Chief Byrd.
• The department honored longtime officer James Rhoades, who passed away on March 30 after more than 50 years of service. The annual report was dedicated to him, preserving his legacy.