7 Shocking Facts And Latest Updates On The Hiram Police Department (HPD) In Hiram, GA
The Hiram Police Department (HPD), a critical component of public safety in Paulding County, Georgia, has been a focal point of recent news, balancing high-profile investigations with a deep commitment to community-focused policing. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the department continues to navigate the complexities of a rapidly growing Atlanta exurb, focusing on innovative strategies to address both violent and property crime trends.
This article provides an in-depth look at the HPD’s most current operations, leadership profile, and the surprising crime statistics that define the challenges faced by law enforcement in Hiram, GA. The department's mission to deliver ethical and professional police services through strong community partnerships remains central to its daily function.
Leadership Profile: Chief Michael Turner and HPD Administration
The Hiram Police Department is led by a command staff dedicated to the department’s core values of Services, Integrity, Respect, Leadership, and Innovation. The current Chief of Police has been instrumental in steering the department toward professional excellence and community engagement.
Chief of Police Biography: Michael Turner
- Full Name: Michael Turner
- Current Title: Chief of Police, Hiram Police Department (HPD)
- Key Achievement: Successfully led the Hiram Police Department to achieve recertification by the Joint Review Committee of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP).
- Leadership Focus: Chief Turner has emphasized community engagement and problem-solving as a core priority for the department, believing it is essential for effective policing.
- Email Contact: mturner@hiram-ga.gov
The Administration Division handles all internal operations, including records, finance, training, and strategic planning, ensuring the entire department operates efficiently and meets state certification standards. The department’s commitment to recertification underscores its dedication to maintaining the highest level of professional law enforcement standards in Georgia.
Latest HPD News and High-Profile Investigations (2024–2025)
The Hiram Police Department has been at the forefront of several significant events, demonstrating the high-stakes nature of law enforcement in the area. These incidents highlight the daily challenges faced by HPD officers and their collaboration with other state agencies.
1. Officer-Involved Shooting and Homicide Investigation (March 2025 Update)
In a major development, the HPD was involved in an officer-involved shooting and homicide investigation in Paulding County. The incident, which occurred in March 2025, prompted a joint investigation with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office.
Hiram Police officers arrived at the scene to find a complex situation, which led to the GBI being called in to handle the independent investigation. These joint operations are standard practice in Georgia to ensure transparency and thoroughness in critical incidents.
2. HPD Officer’s Home Catches Fire
In a separate, personal tragedy for one of its members, the home of a Hiram Police Department officer caught fire. Paulding County Fire and Rescue battled the flames at the residence.
The incident, which occurred on a major holiday, drew attention to the personal risks and community support surrounding the lives of law enforcement personnel, even when off-duty.
3. Department Recertification and Professional Standards
Under Chief Michael Turner’s leadership, the Hiram Police Department was awarded recertification by the Joint Review Committee in August 2023. This achievement signifies that the HPD meets or exceeds the rigorous professional standards set by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP) for law enforcement agencies across the state.
Hiram, GA Crime Statistics: The Challenge of Property Crime
While the HPD is committed to combating all forms of criminal activity, recent data highlights a significant challenge in the area of property crime. Understanding these statistics is crucial for residents and businesses in Paulding County.
4. Hiram’s High Property Crime Rate
According to recent analysis, the city of Hiram, GA, has a notably high property crime rate. It has been cited as having the third-highest property crime rate in the state of Georgia, with a rate of 5,654 per 100,000 residents.
This rate is significantly higher than the national average and reflects the rapid growth of the small Paulding County city as a northwest suburb of Atlanta. Property crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary.
5. High Victimization Risk
The statistics translate to a substantial risk for residents. The chance of being a victim of property crime in Hiram is approximately 1 in 18. Conversely, the chance of being a victim of violent crime (assault, robbery, rape, or murder) is much lower, at 1 in 233.
This data points to the critical need for the HPD’s specialized units, such as the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), to focus resources on property crime prevention and investigation.
6. Projected Cost of Crime in 2025
The financial impact of crime on the community is staggering. The total projected cost of crime in Hiram for 2025 is estimated to be over $11 million.
This cost, which includes law enforcement expenses, victim losses, and other related expenditures, translates to approximately $314 per resident and $942 per household.
Community-Focused Divisions and Public Safety Programs
In response to community needs and the challenges presented by crime statistics, the Hiram Police Department operates several key divisions and community programs that form the backbone of its service model.
The Uniform Division
The Uniform Division is the most visible arm of the HPD. These officers are responsible for patrol, traffic enforcement, and initial response to emergency calls. They are the frontline personnel dedicated to community policing and problem-solving initiatives throughout the city.
Criminal Investigations Division (CID)
The CID handles follow-up investigations for major crimes, including violent offenses and complex property crimes. This division includes specialized roles such as investigators who focus on Evidence and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI).
7. The Public Safety Cadet Program
A major investment in the future of law enforcement is the HPD’s Public Safety Cadet Program. This is a career-based learning opportunity designed for teens and young adults (often referred to as LSI keywords: law enforcement cadets, police trainees).
The program gives participants the chance to work alongside experienced law enforcement professionals, providing hands-on experience and mentorship for those considering a career in public safety.
Community Alliance and Outreach
The department actively engages with the public through a Community Alliance program. This initiative involves working with various local organizations to build trust and foster strong partnerships, which is a key component of the HPD’s mission.
Community outreach efforts are essential for gathering intelligence, promoting safety awareness, and ensuring that the police department remains accountable and responsive to the needs of the Hiram community.
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