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 percent decline shows that the police department’s efforts are making a real difference. The report, released by Police Chief David Byrd and Deputy Chief Jason Leverton, also highlights other key changes in the department. Chief Byrd now leads a fully staffed force of 75 officers, a boost that includes seven new hires in 2025. The department’s budget is $19 million, and its focus has shifted toward purposeful action. Byrd says the goal is to keep DeKalb safer by moving deliberately and building on past successes. Arrests have slipped as well, from 1, 718 in 2021 to 1, 515 in 2025, a 12 percent reduction. Gunfire incidents have plummeted by 84 percent, dropping from 100 to just 16 confirmed cases. These numbers reflect a broader trend of decreasing violent activity and show that the police’s investigative work is effective. The only homicide in 2025 occurred early in the year when a young woman named Jasmine Dejournette was found dead. The suspect, her boyfriend Devonne Montgomery, is in custody awaiting trial. Several other violent cases involved minors and firearms, with charges ranging from armed robbery to aggravated battery.Under Byrd’s guidance, the investigations unit tackled 451 serious crime cases. Detectives followed up on 246 of these, while a specialized team handled the remaining 205. The department also processed over 1, 700 public records requests and conducted more than 1, 600 background checks. Community outreach remains a priority. The police hosted events such as Fun Jam in the Park and National Night Out, and they use an emergency alert system called Alert DeKalb to keep residents informed. Social media platforms like Facebook, X, and NextDoor help the department stay connected with the public. Deputy Chief Leverton, who will retire on May 15 after nearly three decades of service, praised the department’s community focus. He noted that DeKalb police have always prioritized public relations and service, but under Chief Byrd the engagement has grown even stronger. The department also honored a longtime officer, James Rhoades, who passed away on March 30 after more than 50 years of service. The annual report was dedicated to him, and his legacy is remembered by both the police force and the city.