Case Explained:This article breaks down the legal background, charges, and implications of Case Explained: Police chief and sheriff credit collaboration and additional resources for decline in criminal activity – Legal Perspective
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – Crime has declined in Columbus, according to Police Chief Stoney Mathis and Sheriff Greg Countryman, who credit increased staffing and resources at both law enforcement agencies in Muscogee County.
“We’re still hard at work we are not going to stop until the criminals do,” Countryman said.
Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman said his office made over 300 felony arrests in 2025, served over 4,000 warrants and seized 175 firearms. He credits the work of his deputies and investigators for the decrease in crime.
“And so we knocked out a lot of the key players so a lot of those individuals are either awaiting to be sentenced or they have been indicted or they are in prison sadly some of them have died as a result to gun violence,” Countryman said.
January sees zero homicides
Columbus continued the downward trend into the new year. In January, Columbus saw zero homicides.
One resident who did not want to be identified said Columbus has changed tremendously regarding crime in the last five years.
“It makes me want to be more active in the community not afraid to go here or there to find entertainment for family and various activities,” the resident said.
Agencies collaborate on crime reduction
Sheriff Countryman said it takes a collective effort to keep crime down. The sheriff’s office partners with local and federal agencies along with officers from Fort Benning to continue efforts to keep crime at a minimum.
“We work hand and hand together and that’s one thing that was missing. When you can collaborate it’s like a three-cord rope. A one cord ropes its somewhat strong two cords is somewhat strong but three a three-cord rope is almost unbreakable,” Countryman said.
Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis emphasized the importance of collaboration. Mathis joined the Columbus Police Department in 2023 with a focus of getting the department back to being fully staffed. He said the increase in officers has helped with crime.
“Having more police officers on the streets is one of the main contributing factors of the reduction in crime,” Mathis said.
Mathis says if you see something say something and you can remain anonymous by calling the violent crimes unit at 706-221-3161.
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