DeKalb County chief of police on administrative leave, according to county CEO

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - Chief Mirtha Ramos, the first female and longest-serving DeKalb County police chief in more than 20 years, has reportedly stepped down after 5 years, according to a press release.

DeKalb County Police Chief Mirtha Ramos  (FOX 5)

However, Decaturish reported that she had been placed on administrative leave and Assistant Chief Gregory Padrick is taking over as acting chief until DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson names her replacement.

During a press conference on Thursday afternoon, CEO Cochran-Johnson confirmed that the police chief is on administrative leave and she would not comment on the matter.

Cochran-Johnson also confirmed that Padrick is serving as the interim police chief, but they are not currently looking for a new police chief.

When asked if the chief had her confidence, Cochran-Johnson said she had no comment on her leadership. 

Cochran-Johnson also confirmed Ramos is on paid leave. 

The CEO also spoke about the county's efforts to recruit more police officers, including compensation for new officers. Cochran-Johnson said that the county is excited to move forward with new recruiting and retention initiatives. 

What we know:

Ramos was hired in 2019 by then-DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond after serving 22 years with the Miami-Dade Police Department. 

According to the press release sent to FOX 5 Atlanta, DeKalb County reportedly saw significant reductions in crime under Ramos' leadership. The press release claims that property and violent crimes have dropped 13% overall, while homicides decreased by 85% in January 2025 and currently stand at a 77.3% reduction year-to-date.

It also gives Ramos credit for several key public safety initiatives, securing higher pay for officers, including hazard pay and triple overtime, and expanding community policing programs like the Police Athletic League Plus. She also reportedly introduced the Community Service Aide position, a civilian role handling non-violent police calls, allowing officers to focus on crime prevention.

Ramos was also credited with developing a Real-Time Crime Center to speed up investigations, implementing online police reports for greater accessibility, and led DeKalb as the first Georgia department in the Department of Justice’s National Public Safety Program to enhance violent crime response training.

Final Words from Chief Ramos

What they're saying:

Ramos praised the officers and public safety personnel she worked with throughout her tenure in the press release.

"DeKalb Police are the best and brightest our nation has to offer, and I have unwavering respect for each of them," Ramos said. "Thank you to every member of our public safety team for giving their all every day and to our community for trusting us to keep them safe."