5 Critical Updates You Need To Know About The Dalton GA Police Department In Late 2025

The Dalton GA Police Department (DPD) is currently undergoing a significant period of growth and operational modernization, driven by a recently approved 2026 budget designed to bolster public safety resources. As of today, December 17, 2025, the department is actively implementing new initiatives, dedicating new facilities, and managing a slight uptick in violent crime reports compared to the previous year, highlighting its crucial role in the Whitfield County area.

The DPD, which is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), remains a cornerstone of the community's safety strategy, focusing on both proactive enforcement and robust community partnership programs. This deep-dive article explores the most critical, up-to-date information on the DPD, from its leadership structure to its newest operational commitments.

The Command Staff: DPD Leadership and Divisions

The operational efficiency and strategic direction of the Dalton Police Department are managed by a seasoned command staff, led by Chief Cliff Cason. This leadership structure ensures comprehensive coverage across key areas like patrol, investigations, and support services. The following list details the key personnel and their respective roles, providing a complete profile of the department’s command.

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• Chief of Police: Cliff Cason
  • Biography: Chief Cason began his career with the Dalton Police Department in 1993 as a patrol officer. He was formally appointed as the Chief of Police in May 2018, bringing decades of experience and institutional knowledge to the top position.
  • Key Achievement: Under his leadership, the DPD received Recertification under the Georgia Law Enforcement State Certification Program.
• Assistant Chief of Police: Chris Crossen
• Captain, Patrol Division: Jamie Johnson
• Captain, Support Services Division: Shaun Scott
• Captain, Administration Division: Barry Woods
• Captain, Criminal Investigations Division: Ricky Long
• Lieutenant, Patrol Division Operations: Matthew Locke

This team oversees a department that is funded for 90 sworn officers, making public safety the largest single area of spending in the city’s general fund.

1. Massive Budget Boost Funds New SRO Positions and Staffing

A major development for the Dalton Police Department is the approval of the 2026 city budget, which reinforces the city's commitment to law enforcement. The approved $49.82 million General Fund budget for 2026 allocates a significant portion to public safety, ensuring full funding for the DPD.

The budget's primary focus is on maintaining high operational capacity and expanding the department’s presence in local schools.

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• Sworn Officer Strength: The budget fully funds the department for a full complement of 90 sworn officers.
• School Resource Officers (SROs): Crucially, the 2026 budget includes funding for three new School Resource Officer positions. This expansion is part of a proactive strategy to enhance security and build positive relationships within Dalton’s educational institutions.
• Financial Context: The DPD’s budget is a key component of the city’s overall financial plan, with public safety consistently prioritized as the largest expenditure area.

These financial commitments underscore the city’s dedication to providing high-quality law enforcement services to its residents and businesses.

2. Operational Upgrades: New Property and Evidence Facility Dedicated

In a significant infrastructural improvement, the Dalton Police Department recently dedicated its new Property and Evidence Facility. This modern, specialized facility is a critical operational upgrade that directly impacts the integrity and efficiency of the Criminal Investigations Division (CID).

The proper handling and storage of evidence are paramount to successful criminal prosecutions, and this new facility ensures the DPD meets the highest standards of accountability and security for all recovered items, from minor evidence to items related to major cases like the recent early-morning homicide investigation.

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This dedication is a tangible sign of the DPD’s continuous effort to improve its internal processes and maintain its national CALEA accreditation standards.

3. Recent Enforcement and Community Challenges

While the DPD focuses on community engagement, it remains vigilant in addressing serious crime. Recent reports highlight the complex nature of law enforcement in Dalton, GA:

• Homicide Investigation: The DPD is actively investigating a recent early morning shooting that resulted in the death of one man, underscoring the department’s focus on violent crime.
• Officer Resignation: The department recently saw the resignation of an officer following an investigation involving the detention of a Georgia teen by ICE, a case that drew significant public attention.
• Violent Crime Trends: According to Chief Cason, violent crime was up slightly through October compared to the same period in 2024, prompting continued focus on targeted enforcement strategies by the Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions.
• Joint Operations: The DPD frequently coordinates with the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office, as seen in a recent confrontation where an armed Dalton man was killed by detectives and deputies from both agencies.

4. Key Community Engagement and Training Programs

The Dalton Police Department views community partnership as essential to solving crime and maintaining public trust. They offer several popular programs to engage residents and foster transparency:

• 2025 Citizens' Police Academy: The highly anticipated 2025 Citizens' Police Academy began on July 22 and finished on August 28. This program gives residents an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement, covering topics from crime scene investigation to the laws governing police work.
• Public Safety Cadet Program: This initiative provides opportunities for young people to gain practical experience, perform community service, and receive training centered around law enforcement.
• Records Section: The DPD maintains an accessible Records Section at the Police Services Center (301 Jones Street), where citizens can obtain copies of incident reports and accident reports.

5. Departmental Excellence and Accreditation

The Dalton Police Department is distinguished by its commitment to maintaining high professional standards through external validation and continuous training.

The department is nationally recognized, holding accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). This accreditation signifies adherence to hundreds of best-practice standards, covering everything from use of force policies to evidence handling.

Furthermore, the DPD has achieved Recertification under the Georgia Law Enforcement State Certification Program. These dual accreditations demonstrate the DPD's dedication to operational excellence, transparency, and a modern approach to policing in the city of Dalton and the greater Whitfield County area.

The DPD’s ongoing efforts, from expanding its SRO program to dedicating new facilities, are all part of a cohesive strategy to improve public safety and strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community it serves.