Georgia Department of Corrections
Brian Owens, Commissioner
Director of Public Affairs
Joan Heath
Contact: Office of Public Affairs (478) 992-5248
STATE OF GEORGIA
For Immediate Release
Agencies Unite to form “Operation Neighborhood Sweep”
Crime Targeted in Macon Area
Forsyth – The Georgia Department of Corrections recently provided support to the Macon Police Department during a three-day operation that aggressively targeted criminal activity in the Macon area. The development of “Operation Neighborhood Sweep” came to fruition after to the success of the Atlanta Task Force, which produced 248 arrests over a period of one week.
The Macon Police Department, with the assistance of the Georgia Department of Corrections, State Board of Pardons and Paroles, and U.S. Marshal’s Service, warranted 79 arrests and 245 citations during the April 14th- 16th operation.
“We simply cannot fight crime by ourselves,” stated Commissioner Brian Owens. “It takes total involvement and the Department of Corrections is proud to join forces with the Macon Police Department in this important endeavor,” added Commissioner Owens.
The objective of the operation was to heighten law enforcement presence, support law enforcement with crime reduction efforts, and to execute any outstanding criminal arrest warrants, court ordered bench warrants and violation of probation warrants.
“Operations of this type speak directly to our core mission of public safety,” said Director of Parole Michael Nail. “It is evident that we all are more successful in carrying out our respective missions by working together. At the end of the day, it’s all about making our communities safer.”
“Details like Operation Neighborhood Sweep are instrumental in fighting and deterring crime,” affirmed Macon PD Chief Mike Burns. “Joining forces with other law enforcement agencies around the state enhances our reach and effectiveness. The results are impressive and we appreciate the expertise and professionalism of our partners.”
The Department of Corrections is the fifth largest prison system in the United States and is responsible for supervising nearly 60,000 state prisoners and over 150,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 13,000 employees.
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