News

Decatur Police Department Launches “Operation Slow and Steady” to Improve Roadway Safety

Chief Torry Mack announces the launch of a new traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing speeding and other dangerous moving violations throughout the City of Decatur. “Operation Slow and Steady,” will officially begin on Friday, May 15, 2026.

The initiative comes in response to the growing number of traffic accidents. Currently, the City of Decatur has recorded 865 traffic accidents year-to-date, in addition to 239 private property accidents, which equates to 61 accidents a week. These numbers highlight the urgent need for increased traffic enforcement and public awareness.

“Although Decatur is quite compact, we are intersected by several major thoroughfares that carry high volumes of traffic each day,” said Chief Mack. “Unfortunately, many drivers are traveling these roadways at excessive speeds, creating dangerous conditions for motorists, pedestrians, and our community as a whole.”

Operation Slow and Steady will focus on proactive enforcement to include speeding, reckless driving, and other moving violations that contribute to serious crashes and fatalities. Officers will conduct targeted enforcement efforts in high-traffic areas and locations identified through crash data and citizen complaints.

“Our goal is not simply to issue citations,” Chief Mack added. “Our mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and make our streets safer for everyone who travels through our city. We want every driver to understand that a few extra miles per hour can have life-changing consequences.”

The Decatur Police Department encourages all motorists to obey posted speed limits, eliminate distractions while driving, wear seatbelts, and practice patience on the roadway. Together, through education, awareness, and enforcement, Operation Slow and Steady aims to create safer streets for the citizens and visitors of Decatur.