The City of Decatur is seeing a notable decline in crime across multiple categories to start 2026, according to newly released data from the Decatur Police Department.
Figures comparing the first quarter of 2025 to the same period in 2026 show overall Part I offenses fell by 15%, dropping from 140 incidents last year to 119 this year.
The most significant improvement came in violent crime, which decreased by 45.16%. Police reported zero homicides and robberies in the first quarter of 2026, compared to two cases each during the same timeframe in 2025. Aggravated assaults also declined, falling from 27 incidents to 17 — a 37% reduction.
Property crime also trended downward, though at a more modest pace. Total property offenses dropped 6.42%, with burglary decreasing from 17 to 14 cases and theft falling from 80 to 75. Auto theft was the only category to increase slightly, rising from 12 incidents to 13.
Decatur Police officials say the downward trend reflects a focused effort to address crime patterns that emerged earlier this year.
According to a department statement, an uptick in shooting-related incidents prompted Chief Torry Mack to launch a Special Enforcement Team in mid-January. The unit operates within the department’s Special Operations Bureau and is tasked with responding to priority calls and targeting violent crime trends.
Since its creation, the team has worked alongside patrol officers and federal partners to remove illegal weapons from the community. From January through March, officers recovered 72 firearms.
“These results are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and adaptability of our officers,” Mack said. “By responding strategically to emerging crime trends and remaining committed to proactive enforcement, we are making our community safer.”
The department said it plans to continue emphasizing data-driven policing strategies, community partnerships, and targeted enforcement efforts as it builds on the early-year progress.
For North Alabama communities like Decatur, the report offers an early snapshot of how targeted policing strategies may be influencing crime trends in 2026.
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.
