Cherokee County 911 Calls Surge Nearly 47% — Crime Drops as Deputies and First Responders Meet Growing Demand

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ala. — Cherokee County deputies, dispatchers, and first responders are responding to more calls than ever before. Yet, overall crime in the county has continued to decline, according to the latest figures from Cherokee County E-911.

In 2025, the Cherokee County E-911 dispatch center handled 40,375 calls for service, compared to 27,551 calls in 2023 — an increase of nearly 47 percent. Officials attribute the rise to steady population growth, heavier traffic, and ongoing development across the county, all of which place greater demand on emergency services.

While calls for service have sharply increased, crime itself has not. In fact, crime is down by nearly 7 percent. Much of the increase in call volume is tied to traffic enforcement, drug enforcement efforts, crime-suppression initiatives, welfare checks, disputes, and non-criminal complaints.

Of the 27,551 calls for service reported in 2023, only about 4 percent — fewer than 1,200 — involved reportable crime through the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office alone responded to 11,379 calls, ranging from false residential alarms to life-threatening emergencies.

Behind every response were Cherokee County’s E-911 dispatchers, whose work often goes unseen but remains essential. Dispatchers coordinated thousands of emergency responses, providing calm, professional communication that protected both first responders and the public.

Sheriff Jeff Shaver praised the dedication of those serving on the front lines.

“These numbers aren’t just statistics. They represent long hours, tough decisions, and first responders and deputies who put the safety of others first,” Shaver said.

County officials say they are also grateful to residents who continue to use 911 appropriately and support local law enforcement.

As Cherokee County continues to grow, deputies, firefighters, medics, and dispatchers say they remain committed to meeting the rising demand for service while maintaining community safety.

The collective efforts of law enforcement, first responders, and the community continue to make Cherokee County a safer place to live.

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