HCPD cites crime drop in year-end report

Crime in Henry County is lower than nearly every surrounding county according to the latest available GBI index included in a report to the Board of Commissioners at its Dec. 4 regular meeting. Based on the reported metropolitan statistical area index crimes, Henry County’s crime index rate per 1,000 people dropped from 29.3 to 26.9 in 2016 — an 8-percent reduction.

That ranks Henry County as third-lowest among surrounding/bordering counties (Butts, Clayton, DeKalb, Newton, Rockdale, Spalding). The only counties with lower numbers are Butts and Newton, both of which have a significantly lower population.

Other information provided by Henry County Police Department deputy chief Mark Amerman to the board included a drop in officer vacancies from 31 in July to 14 at present. He also announced that the drone program is fully operational and FAA-approved, with 12 certified pilots available to direct the department’s two drones day or night.