Concerns about policing in DeKalb County are once again flaring after a bizarre incident last week.

Responding to a burglary call, DeKalb police officers entered the wrong home and shot an unsuspecting resident, his dog and one of their own officers.

DeKalb police officials say they see a good department being unfairly maligned for a few incidents.

But critics, for their part, say the police leadership is in denial about problems that speak to under-staffing, excessive turnover in the ranks and an abundance of inexperienced officers.

Meanwhile, a review by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has found that DeKalb has had 17 fatal police shootings in the past five years, the highest in the state.

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Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez