Statistical Shift in Public Safety
Georgetown Police Chief Ralph Holm Jr. recently presented data to the Town Council detailing a notable increase in police activity between May 26 and July 19, 2026, compared to the same period in 2025. The department reported an increase in total cases from 1,157 to 1,360, while calls for service rose from 1,438 to 1,878—an uptick of 440 incidents.
Specific crime categories showed varied trends. Assault reports climbed from 59 to 79, while arrests for fugitives saw a minor increase from 56 to 61. Traffic safety metrics also shifted, with reported crashes rising from 108 to 115. Most significantly, DUI arrests saw a substantial jump, rising from 11 to 27.
Drivers of Increased Enforcement
Department leadership attributes these figures to a strategic increase in patrol presence. Chief Holm noted that the rise in DUI arrests is a direct result of more officers being present on town roadways. Lt. Joel Díaz, the deputy chief, emphasized that the department has transitioned to more self-initiated patrolling.
“Our officers are doing a lot of self-initiated patrolling through the town, which generally is going to increase DUIs,” Díaz explained. He added that the department currently assigns five to six officers per 12-hour shift, which naturally leads to a higher volume of recorded complaints and self-generated police activity. While some DUI cases stem from responding to traffic accidents, the majority are now the result of proactive traffic enforcement.
Community Growth and Future Outlook
The rise in police activity mirrors broader concerns regarding Georgetown’s rapid development. Local residents and officers alike point to visible shifts in the community. Patrolman Payton Rose noted that the influx of traffic and new residents is a tangible sign of the town’s expansion. Long-time resident John W. Baker expressed confidence in the department’s responsiveness, stating, “I feel pretty safe because we do have law enforcement. If you call them, they’re going to come.”
Looking ahead, Lt. Díaz anticipates that calls for service will continue to climb as the town’s population grows. To manage this demand, the department is currently overseeing the construction of a new police facility, with plans to expand the overall size of the police force to better serve the evolving community.