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5 Critical Updates On The City Of Hiram Police Department: Leadership, Major Incidents, And 2025 Initiatives

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The City of Hiram Police Department (HPD), a crucial law enforcement agency in Paulding County, Georgia, continues to navigate a complex environment of community service, professional development, and high-stakes law enforcement actions. As of December 23, 2025, the department remains focused on its core values—Services, Integrity, Respect, Leadership, and Innovation—while responding to significant events that have defined its year.

This deep-dive article provides the most current and essential updates, from the department’s leadership structure and recent major incidents to its forward-looking initiatives aimed at strengthening the bond between officers and the citizens they serve. Understanding these details is key to recognizing the HPD's commitment to public safety and its role within the greater Paulding County region.

The Leadership of Chief Michael Turner: Biography and Vision

The Hiram Police Department has been guided by a philosophy of experience and community-first policing, often embodied by its leadership. While recent reports have indicated potential transitions, the most current official records confirm the continued influence of a seasoned veteran.

Chief Michael Turner Profile

  • Role: Chief of Police, City of Hiram Police Department (HPD)
  • Jurisdiction: City of Hiram, Paulding County, Georgia
  • Career Tenure: Over 43 years in law enforcement, with a strong focus on community engagement
  • Professional Affiliations: Vice-Chair of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP)
  • Key Philosophy: Emphasizes that community engagement is an integral part of modern policing, a principle he has championed throughout his career
  • Recent Activity: Listed as staff in attendance at the City of Hiram Council Meeting on June 3, 2025

Chief Turner's leadership has been characterized by a dedication to returning to the fundamental principles of community policing, viewing it not as a new trend but as the original core function of law enforcement. This vision has shaped the department's operational and community outreach strategies, ensuring a focus on problem-solving initiatives and transparent engagement with local citizens.

1. Major Incident Review: The March 2025 Officer-Involved Shooting and Homicide

One of the most significant and challenging events for the Hiram Police Department in 2025 was a critical incident that required the immediate involvement of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). This event underscores the high-stakes environment in which HPD officers operate.

The incident occurred on March 3, 2025, when Hiram Police officers responded to a call regarding a domestic dispute and homicide in a Paulding County apartment complex.

  • The Incident: Officers arrived on the scene and encountered Daniele Latrice McDowell, 38, of Hiram, GA.
  • The Homicide: Ms. McDowell was accused of fatally stabbing her son, an act that had occurred prior to the police arrival.
  • The Shooting: During the confrontation, officers were reportedly forced to shoot Ms. McDowell after she allegedly held a knife.
  • Investigation: The Hiram Police Department immediately requested the GBI to conduct an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting and the preceding homicide, a standard procedure to ensure transparency and accountability.

This tragic incident highlights the difficult and rapid decision-making required of HPD officers in volatile domestic situations and the department’s commitment to external review for all uses of lethal force. The GBI's involvement ensures a thorough and unbiased assessment of the officers' actions, which is vital for maintaining public trust.

2. Core Divisions and the Backbone of Hiram Policing

The City of Hiram Police Department is structured into several key divisions, each playing a critical role in fulfilling the department's mission to deliver ethical and professional police services. These operational units are the primary mechanisms for maintaining public safety and order in the city.

The Uniform Division

The Uniform Division is widely regarded as the backbone of the Hiram Police Department. These are the officers most visible to the community, responsible for the necessary and critical functions of daily policing, including traffic enforcement, routine patrol, and first response to emergencies. Their presence is the most direct representation of the HPD’s commitment to immediate public safety.

Criminal Investigations Division (CID)

While not always in the public eye, the CID is crucial for solving complex crimes, including burglaries, assaults, and other felonies. This division focuses on in-depth investigations, evidence collection, and coordination with the Paulding County District Attorney's office to ensure successful prosecution.

Support Services Division

This division provides essential logistical and administrative support, including managing records, coordinating training, and overseeing the department's technology infrastructure. The efficiency of the Support Services Division is what allows the Uniform and Investigations divisions to operate effectively in the field. They also manage the Municipal Court processes, ensuring justice is administered efficiently for local ordinance violations.

3. 2025 Community Policing Initiatives and Partnerships

In line with its core values of *Services* and *Innovation*, the HPD has prioritized a robust set of community policing and problem-solving initiatives throughout 2025. These programs are designed to foster strong partnerships and increase mutual respect between the police and the Hiram community.

  • Community Alliance Program: The department is deeply involved with a Community Alliance that works tirelessly to assist victims, serve the community, and educate citizens. This partnership is a cornerstone of their outreach efforts.
  • Faith-Based Leader Engagement: The HPD actively collaborates with local faith-based leaders. This collaboration provides a direct channel for communication and problem-solving, allowing the department to address community concerns through trusted local figures.
  • Problem-Solving Initiatives: The department's focus is on proactive problem-solving, moving beyond simple reactive policing. This involves identifying persistent issues within the community—such as traffic hotspots, specific crime trends, or quality of life concerns—and developing targeted, long-term solutions.
  • Core Values in Action: The department's vision is to be regarded as a leader in innovative law enforcement by both the community and its peers. This is achieved by operationalizing its five core values: Services, Integrity, Respect, Leadership, and Innovation.

4. Transparency and Accountability: The Role of the GBI

The Hiram Police Department has a clear policy of requesting external review for critical incidents, a practice that enhances transparency and public confidence. The request for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to investigate the March 2025 shooting is a prime example of this commitment. By immediately yielding the investigation to a state-level agency, the HPD ensures that the inquiry into the use of force is conducted without any potential conflict of interest. This commitment to accountability is a modern standard for professional law enforcement agencies.

5. Looking Ahead: Technology and Training Focus

The HPD continues to invest in training and technology to improve its service delivery. Ongoing professional development ensures that officers are current on the latest legal standards, de-escalation techniques, and best practices in community relations. Furthermore, the department continuously reviews its technological capabilities, from dispatch systems to in-car and body-worn cameras, to improve efficiency and maintain a high level of integrity in all operations. This forward-thinking approach solidifies the HPD's position as a progressive and professional municipal police force in Paulding County, GA.

5 Critical Updates on the City of Hiram Police Department: Leadership, Major Incidents, and 2025 Initiatives
city of hiram police department
city of hiram police department

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