Safety

Protecting and serving the citizens of our communities is of the utmost importance to South Georgia law enforcement and fire protection agencies. Few major metropolitan centers can compare with the community services offered here. The area excels with superior services and enhanced 911 systems that ensure quality protection. The incidence of serious crime is well below other state and national averages for cities of comparable size.

The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department is committed to the safeguarding of the lives and property of citizens through the operations of 5 divisions: patrol, jail Operations, Court Services, Narcotics, and Criminal Investigations. Specialized services include: DARE, ICE (Interstate Criminal Enforcement) and a K-9 Training Facility.
The Valdosta Police Department is state certified and Nationally accredited, 1 of only 17 among 550 law enforcement agencies in the state and ranks in the top 4 percent of law enforcement agencies nationwide. As Valdosta continues to grow as a regional center, the VPD continues to prepare and evolve into a regional response law enforcement agency. Working closely with local, state and national agencies, we have expanded our methods and practices, and capabilities to stay informed, and to provide increased security in the areas of drug enforcement and homeland security. VPD was among seven agencies throughout the country to be named a Flagship Agency at the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
The Valdosta Fire Department is home to the new South Georgia Regional Fire Academy Training Center. A Class 2 ISO rating saves citizens money on insurance while serving the community with the best in fire protection.

The Hahira Police Department is an eight-person force and provides professional 24-hour protection to homes and businesses in the city. The department is fully equipped with state-of -the-art modern equipment. In carrying out its responsibilities, the department works closely with county, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The Hahira Police Department is recognized for a "No Tolerance" stance on crime and for maintaining one of the lowest crime rates in Lowndes County and the nation. The Hahira Police Department operates under a community-oriented policing philosophy and regularly patrols residential and business districts, investigates criminal activities and enforces local and state laws. Hahira's incidence of serious crime is far lower than the state or national average for cities of comparable size.
The Hahira Fire Department is state certified with an ISO Class Four insurance rating. A full time Fire Chief, a part time assistant Chief and an 18-member team of volunteer firefighters provide 24 hour a day fire service. The department serves all city residents and businesses and has mutual aid agreements with Lowndes County, Valdosta and Adel fire departments. Average response time within the city limits is three and one half minutes.

Brooks County Sheriff’s Department

The Quitman Police Department protects and serves the community. Built in 1888, the station is located in the old Opera house in historic downtown.

The Quitman-Brooks County Fire Department has 13 full-time city and 41 volunteer county personnel. Protection provided 1/2 mile outside city limits.

Lanier County Sheriff’s Department

The Lakeland-Lanier County Fire Department has 1 full-time and 20 volunteer personnel. Protection outside city limits.

Lakeland Police Department

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