Dougherty County Police Department

09/22/2026

DCPD Joins Law Enforcement Community in Honoring Sgt. Paul Guhl

Members of the Dougherty County Police Department joined hundreds of family members, friends, law enforcement officers and community members today to pay their final respects to Albany Police Department Sgt. Paul Frederick Guhl, affectionately known as the “Gentle Giant.”

Sgt. Guhl dedicated 23 years of service to the Albany Police Department, earning the respect of fellow officers and the community through his kindness, quiet strength and commitment to helping others.

During the service, Albany Police Chief Michael Persley reflected on Sgt. Guhl’s willingness to mentor and guide fellow officers.

“Paul cared deeply about helping others learn to do things the right way and always had time when younger officers needed guidance.” Persley said.

Those who knew Sgt. Guhl remembered a man who gave generously of himself — to his family, his profession and his community. His steady presence, gentle spirit and dedication to service left an impression that will not soon be forgotten.

The Dougherty County Police Department extends its heartfelt condolences to Sgt. Guhl’s family, friends and our brothers and sisters at the Albany Police Department.

Rest well, Sgt. Guhl. Your service, mentorship and legacy will be remembered.

09/18/2026

PUBLIC AWARENESS MESSAGE
SCHOOL SAFETY & SOCIAL MEDIA
Report Threatening Content. Do Not Repost It.

The Dougherty County Police Department is aware of social media posts containing threatening language directed toward schools and students in the Albany-Dougherty County community. All threats involving schools and students are taken seriously and must be appropriately evaluated.

Similar posts connected to the viral “Cat in the Hat” social media trend have circulated in communities across the country. Regardless of the intent, creating or sharing threatening content involving schools or students may result in **disciplinary or criminal consequences.

If you see threatening content, do not repost, share or repeatedly display it. Continued circulation can increase fear in the community and give the content additional attention and reach.

Save screenshots, account names, dates, times and other identifying information. Provide the information directly to law enforcement or school officials.

Talk with your children about the seriousness of creating, sharing or participating in threatening online content.

REPORT THREATENING CONTENT. DO NOT REPOST IT!

09/17/2026

09/16/2026

🎃🚨 DOUGHERTY COUNTY, GET READY FOR A HALLOWEEN NIGHT FULL OF FUN! 🚨🎃

👻🍬 HALLOWEEN TRUNK OR TREAT IS COMING! 🍬👻

The Dougherty County Police Department & Partners are excited to invite YOU to a FREE FAMILY EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! 🎉

📅 OCTOBER 31ST
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 310 Skywater Boulevard, Albany, GA 31705
📌 (Off Radium Springs Road)

🎃 WHAT’S IN STORE? 🎃

🍭 Trunk or Treat
🎶 Music & entertainment
🎮 Gaming Truck
🚜 Hayride
🎉 Fun activities for the kids
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly fun for EVERYONE!

💚 Bring the whole family, put the kids in their favorite costumes and come enjoy a safe, fun-filled Halloween evening with our community! 🧡🖤

✨ ADMISSION IS 100% FREE! ✨

📢 SHARE THIS POST & INVITE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS! 📢

Let’s come together as a community and make this Halloween a night to remember! 🎃👻🍬

We can’t wait to see YOU there! 💚💛

09/15/2026

💙💛 FAITH & BLUE — OCTOBER 💛💙

The Dougherty County Police Department is excited to connect with our local churches and religious organizations during the month of October for Faith & Blue! 🙏🏾💙

We would love to join you for a day of worship, prayer, Bible study, fellowship, or a day of fun — you choose! ⛪️📖☕️🍕👮🏾‍♂️

Have an event idea? How about Pizza with DCPD, Coffee with a Cop, or an evening of questions and answers? We’re ready to partner with you! 🤝🏾

If your church or religious organization would like to host a Faith & Blue event, please contact:

📞 229-639-7865
📧 [email protected]
Cora Baker, Public Relations Coordinator

Let’s continue Building Stronger Communities Through Faith, Service and Partnership. 💙💛

09/14/2026

REMEMBERING A LIFE OF SERVICE 🖤

The Dougherty County Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Retired Chief Gregory Fairbanks, as well as the entire Cuthbert Fire Department family, following his passing.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the Cuthbert Fire Department during this difficult time. May his years of service and the lives he touched never be forgotten.

Thank you, Chief Fairbanks, for a lifetime of dedicated service.

🕊️ Rest in Peace, Chief. Your service made a difference.
🙏🏾 From your brothers and sisters in law enforcement, we honor you and your legacy.

— Dougherty County Police Department💚💛

09/14/2026

Our deepest condolences to the Guhl Family and the Albany Police Department 💙

The Dougherty County Police Department extends our heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and fellow officers of Sergeant Paul Guhl of the Albany Police Department.

We stand with the Albany Police Department and the Guhl family during this difficult time.

Please keep his loved ones, friends, and the entire Albany Police Department family in your thoughts and prayers.

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Guhl. Your service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. 🕊️💙

🙏🏾 From the Dougherty County Police Department Family💚💛

09/11/2026

🇺🇸 REMEMBERING 9/11 🇺🇸

Today, the Dougherty County Police Department Family pauses to remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

We remember the innocent lives taken, the first responders who ran toward danger, the families who lost loved ones, and the countless acts of courage, sacrifice, and unity that followed.

We will never forget.
🇺🇸 We Honor. We Remember🕊️

With love and remembrance,
The Dougherty County Police Department 💚💛

09/10/2026

DCPD OFFICER OF THE MONTH 👮🏾‍♂️👏🏾

The Dougherty County Police Department is proud to recognize Cpl. Elder Johnson as its Officer of the Month!

Johnson is recognized for his dedication, professionalism, commitment and outstanding service to the citizens of Dougherty County.

Lt. Robert Richard of the Uniform Division presented Johnson with the Officer of the Month award in recognition of his exemplary service and contributions to the department.

Please join us in congratulating Johnson on this well-deserved recognition! 🎉👏🏾

Thank you for your service, Cpl. Johnson, and for representing the Dougherty County Police Department with pride and excellence.

Congratulations, Cpl. Johnson! 💚💛

09/10/2026

Albany-Dougherty SIU Arrests Murder Suspect, Second Person Charged

The Albany-Dougherty Special Investigative Unit, working with the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, apprehended 25-year-old Ja-Rod Jaheem Holsey on Sept. 9 on outstanding warrants related to a June 1 homicide at 1016 N. Slappey Blvd.
Holsey was apprehended at 525 Don Cutler Apartment 60.
According to the Special Investigative Unit, Holsey was wanted on the following charges:

Murder
Four counts of aggravated assault
Possession of ma*****na with intent to distribute
Possession of drug-related objects
Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime
Fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer
Failure to appear for a finger printable charge
Probation violation

Authorities reported that Holsey was in possession of approximately 568.8 grams of ma*****na and a firearm at the time of his arrest. He was additionally charged with possession of ma*****na with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of drug-related objects.

During the operation, authorities also arrested 26-year-old Kawaiya Mills. Mills was charged with possession of ma*****na less than 1 ounce and hindering the apprehension of a fugitive.

The Albany-Dougherty Special Investigative Unit includes personnel from the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office, Albany Police Department and Dougherty County Police Department.

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