Georgia Department of Public Safety

09/29/2026

Our agency sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of CHP Officer Liles.

It is with profound sadness that the California Highway Patrol announces the line-of-duty death of Officer Brian Liles of the Visalia Area.

On September 28, 2026, at approximately 5:11 p.m., CHP Motorcycle Officer Liles was involved in an on-duty traffic crash on State Route 99, just north of State Route 190 in Tipton. He sustained critical injuries and, despite lifesaving efforts, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Officer Liles, 44, served the people of California for more than 16 years. After graduating from the CHP Academy in 2010, he was assigned to the San Jose Area and later served in the Hayward and Fresno Areas before transferring to the Visalia Area in 2019.

Officer Liles is survived by his wife, two children, his parents, and two sisters.

The CHP extends its deepest condolences to Officer Liles’ family, friends, loved ones, and all who served alongside him. His dedication to public service and commitment to protecting the people of California will not be forgotten.

09/29/2026

All lanes of I-16 at MM143 Eastbound are currently shut down due to a 2 vehicle crash involving a semi. Please seek an alternate route.

09/29/2026

Georgia Department of Public Safety Opens New Georgia State Patrol Post on Multi-State Agency Complex in Oconee County

(ATLANTA, GA) – The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces the official opening of the new Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Post 32 facility in Oconee County. On Monday, September 28, 2026, DPS and the Department of Driver Services (DDS) held a joint grand opening ceremony. The new GSP and DDS facilities are part of a larger state public safety complex that will eventually house the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The new Post provides Troopers with an updated operational base for traffic enforcement, crash response, emergency assistance, joint initiatives, training, and other public safety services throughout the Post 32 territory. The move from its former location in Athens, GA, provides an enhanced facility while maintaining service to its established patrol area.
“The new Post represents an investment in our Troopers and the communities they serve,” said Colonel William W. Hitchens, III, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “This facility will support our continued commitment to professional service while strengthening the partnerships essential to public safety.”
The new location will also support continued coordination with local and state law enforcement, emergency responders, and other public safety partners.
Since 1937, the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) has promoted highway safety and provided law enforcement services throughout Georgia through traffic enforcement, public safety initiatives, and emergency response. Serving Northeast Georgia for more than six decades, Post 32 – Athens has operated from its U.S. Highway 29 facility since January 1974. The newly constructed, approximately 10,000-square-foot facility includes offices, meeting rooms, and a canopy to accommodate multiple vehicles. Currently, 15 Troopers are assigned to this Post to serve Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison, and Oconee Counties.

09/28/2026

Our agency sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Trooper Phillips.

Today, we face one of the most difficult moments an agency can endure as we announce the loss of one of our own. Trooper Hayden Phillips, Unit 369, made the ultimate sacrifice while
patrolling I-65 in Warren County. He was assigned to Post 3 Bowling Green and was a graduate of Cadet Class 103. His dedication to duty and commitment to the commonwealth will not
be forgotten.
Our hearts break for Trooper Phillips’ family, loved ones, and fellow troopers as we grieve this tremendous loss. We will carry his memory with us, honor the life he lived and the badge he wore, and stand together as an agency to support this family in the days ahead.
-Colonel Phillip Burnett, Jr.

09/28/2026

What a great Saturday at the Georgia Department of Public Safety’s Fall Festival in Perry! From meeting our Troopers and Officers, exploring patrol vehicles to enjoying family friendly activities, the day was filled with smiles, laughter, and meaningful connections.

Events like these remind us that our communities are at the heart of everything we do. We’re grateful for everyone who came out, our fellow public safety partners, and the volunteers who helped make this event such a success.

09/26/2026

Our Troopers had the honor of escorting the Alabama Air National Guard 187th Fighter Wing the Red Tails after they did the flyover for the UGA - OU game today.

GO DAWGS!

09/26/2026

Good luck Eagles!

09/24/2026

Our thoughts go out to the family, friends and co-workers of Sgt. Cunningham.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of Law Enforcement Division Sergeant Ben Cunningham, a 27-year veteran of the Department. Sergeant Cunningham passed away following a possible medical episode while on duty in Rome, Georgia, and participating in a Law Enforcement Division physical fitness program.

His career with DNR began with the Wildlife Resources Division in August 1999. He transferred to DNR Law Enforcement in December 2006, was promoted to Corporal in 2017 and to Sergeant in March 2021. Cunningham was an outstanding Game Warden and supervisor in the DNR Law Enforcement Division, most recently serving as Sergeant in Region I in northwest Georgia, where he supervised Game Wardens responsible for Walker, Dade, Chattooga and Floyd counties.

We are grateful for his years of dedication to this Department and will remember the mark he left on our DNR family.
The full press release can be found through the link in the comments.

09/24/2026

TFC Devin Story and TFC Logan South have spent this week representing Georgia with professionalism, determination and plenty of grit at the Top Trooper Competition. From early mornings to long days of competition, they’ve pushed themselves, learned from the experience and proudly represented the Georgia State Patrol every step of the way.

The closing ceremony is today, and we couldn’t be prouder of the way these two have shown up for Georgia!

09/24/2026

Long before the title Lieutenant Colonel, there was a Trooper School and a young Trooper beginning a career dedicated to serving Georgia.
From Trooper School to Command Staff, Lt. Colonel Lowe’s journey is a reminder that every career has a starting point. Then. Now. Same commitment to the badge and the people of Georgia.