ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Dougherty County District Attorney Greg Edwards told WALB he joins Albany Police Chief Michael Persley in urging community members with information about crimes to submit tips to law enforcement.

For both law enforcement leaders, the issue of violent crime weighs heavily on their minds, following a violent Christmas week in Albany.

“I share the outlook of Chief Persley,” Edwards said. “We actually talked about this circumstance as we were at a crime scene just on the eve of Christmas Eve, where four teenagers were shot. It’s a thing that we both commiserated on at the time—that there’s so much violence among our young people.”

Persley addressed the community on Monday during a media briefing held by his department. The police chief admitted he is frustrated that people turn to violence to settle conflicts and do not exhibit more care for their fellowman.

Persley stressed that crime prevention starts with citizens reporting illegal activity.

“If you’re afraid to become a witness, you never know who may come target you. If you see something, you do have to speak on it,” Chief Persley said. “Now, there have been numerous cases that we have investigated where people do come forward because they understand that taking the life of another person is not right.”

The chief also said those who are helping to hide criminals and their dangerous actions are breaking the law and will be prosecuted.

“If you are harboring any of these [criminals], you will be charged as well,” Persley warned.

Edwards said having community members willing to step forward would make all the difference in cleaning up crime.

“We must make people understand that if you see something, you must say something,” Edwards said. “It doesn’t hurt you as an individual to provide information. It helps make the community safer.”

For those worried about remaining anonymous, Crime Stoppers protects the identity of tipsters. The crime reporting hotline at (229) 436-8477 accepts tips from unnamed sources to solve cases.

Edwards also said that he wants people to remember that showing up for jury duty helps the justice system clear cases—and that being present for jury duty is not only legally required, but a commitment that must be honored to pursue justice.

Edwards said he hopes people will take pride in calling Albany home and speak up in the best interest of their community.

“We have to have faith in our community. We have to have faith in people that ultimately, they know what’s right and what’s wrong and that, you know, they stand for right,” Edwards said.

But even as the community grapples with the challenges of fighting violent crimes, Edwards expressed optimism about the future.

“I believe in Albany. Albany has been, you know, my home. Chief Persley believes in Albany, and it’s been his home, and all of us in law enforcement and prosecution, we are committed to our home, and we’re committed to our people,” said Edwards.

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