Columbus police credit ‘Operation Overlook’ for decline in crime during city’s peak season

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The Columbus Police Department says the summertime is considered “peak season” for crime in the city.

Officials say they were able to maintain their goal of reducing crime, as the city usually sees an uptick during the summer months.

Crime has reduced slightly compared to the summer of 2024, according to CPD and has credited some of the decline to “Operation Overlook.”

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Columbus Police Department releases Operation Overlook results

Columbus PD’s Operation Overlook was a 30-day initiative that added more officers in areas with high crime rates. As part of the operation, parents were encouraged to turn in their children’s firearms or drugs.

“Prior to starting Operation Overlook, we were right around about 25% down in Part 1 crime from the year to date,” said CPD’s Deputy Chief Roderick Graham. “At the conclusion of the detail, we were at 30% down.”

Graham also says burglary is a problematic crime in Columbus, especially during the summer, due to families traveling during that time.

RELATED: CPD’s ‘Operation Overlook’ to focus on high-crime area, target teenagers with guns and drugs

This summer, CPD saw a reduction in burglaries as the city sits at a 32% reduction in the crime.

During Operation Overlook, CPD says there were over 50 summonses issued and officers addressed numerous city ordinance violations.

Check out the official numbers from Operation Overlook here.

RELATED: Columbus Police announce Operation Overlook at news conference