Special to the Lake Oconee News
The Madison Police Department released its 2025 crime statistics, highlighting what city officials call “exceptionally strong crime clearance rates that far exceed national averages, reinforcing Madison’s reputation as one of Georgia’s safest communities.”
The Madison Police Department reports all Part I crimes, which include violent offenses — murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault — as well as property crimes such as burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which compiles the annual Uniform Crime Report (UCR). According to the FBI, the national average clearance rate is 43.8% for violent crimes and 15.9% for property crimes.
In comparison, the Madison Police Department achieved an overall 73% clearance rate for all reported Part I crimes in 2025, a reflection of both proactive policing and the strong support of the Madison community.
2025 Part I Crime Summary
During 2025, the Madison Police Department investigated:
• No murders
• Two sex crimes (one cleared by arrest and one determined to be unfounded)
• No aggravated assaults
• Three burglaries, all of which were cleared by arrest
• Nine thefts, with four cleared by arrest
• No reported motor vehicle thefts
• No reported arsons In addition to Part I crimes, the department investigated 23 Part II offenses, which include crimes such as fraud, drug offenses, disorderly conduct, simple assault, DUI, and other criminal violations.
The FBI tracks Part II offenses differently and does not publish national clearance averages for these crimes, but city officials say the Madison Police Department successfully cleared 65% of all reported Part II cases during 2025.
“These statistics demonstrate what can be accomplished when law enforcement and the community work together,” said Chief Roy Whitehead. “Madison continues to be a safe place to live, work, and visit because of the dedication of our officers, the outstanding partnerships we share with neighboring law enforcement agencies, and, most importantly, the citizens who promptly report suspicious activity and assist us throughout investigations.”
The Madison Police Department credits its success to the collaborative efforts of the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and neighboring law enforcement agencies.
Equally important is the continued trust and cooperation of Madison residents, whose vigilance and timely reporting help officers respond quickly and effectively. The Madison Police Department remains committed to protecting the community through professional policing, strong partnerships, and proactive crime prevention efforts.