Columbus Police Launch “Operation Overlook” to Combat Seasonal Crime Spike

Community leaders raise concerns about potential over-policing in minority neighborhoods

The Columbus Police Department recently announced a 30-day crime prevention initiative, “Operation Overlook,” in response to anticipated increases in crime associated with warmer weather and the end of the school year.

The initiative will bring a visible increase in police presence citywide, including in areas identified as high-crime. Police Chief Stoney Mathis said the department is deploying about 109 detectives—officers who typically focus on violent and financial crimes—to supplement patrols through mid-June.

“Typically when school gets out and the weather warms up, we have an uptick in crime,” Mathis said during a news conference May 13. “This is an all-hands-on-deck approach to keep our city safe.”

The city has reported a 26.9% drop in crime compared to the same period last year, according to Mathis, who believes that with continued community support, Columbus could achieve a 50% reduction by year’s end.

“If we hit a 50% reduction in crime, we truly could be one of the top 10 safest cities in Georgia,” he said.

As part of the operation, some officers will conduct traffic stops while others in unmarked vehicles will target criminal activity. Mathis emphasized that participation in the initiative will only pull detectives from their normal duties “a day or two a week.”

Community Engagement or Surveillance?

Mayor Skip Henderson joined Mathis in encouraging citizens—particularly parents—to support the initiative.

“If you find guns or drugs, even if the gun is stolen, call us and we’ll come pick it up, no questions asked,” Mathis said. “We can’t do it alone as police. But if we work together as a community, we will reduce the crime rate.”

Henderson said the effort has the full backing of Columbus Council and urged residents to partner with law enforcement. “The success of this is going to be dictated by what you do to help these police officers do their job,” he said.

However, not everyone views the operation as a cause for celebration.

Advocates Caution Against Over-Policing

Critics—including civil rights organizations and youth advocates—have expressed concerns about the potential for increased police activity to disproportionately affect Black and Latino residents. Community members worry that added patrols and street-level enforcement in underserved neighborhoods could result in more racial profiling and unnecessary confrontations, especially among youth.

“What’s described as ‘high crime areas’ is often just code for Black and Brown neighborhoods,” said NAACP president Melvin Tanner, Jr. “We want safer communities too—but safety must include dignity, opportunity, and accountability on all sides.”

Mathis acknowledged the criticism, calling it the view of a vocal minority.

“I get those critics calling me, but those are the true minority,” he said. “The majority of people in Columbus would love to see the crime reduced.”

Henderson added: “In my opinion, I would rather be accused of overdoing it a little bit than have somebody else get injured on the street.”

Looking Ahead

While the department has not released detailed criteria for measuring the initiative’s success, Operation Overlook is scheduled to continue through mid-June. As crime prevention efforts intensify, local leaders and community groups say they will be watching closely to ensure the city’s commitment to public safety does not come at the expense of civil rights.

“True safety is about more than arrests,” said Tanner. “It’s about building trust.”