Macon’s Night to Unite aims to strengthen community, law enforcement ties

MACON, Ga. (WPGA) - Law enforcement officials and residents gathered at Central High School in Macon to promote Night to Unite, a community event aimed at strengthening relationships between students, residents and law enforcement.

Students attended a pep rally to learn about the event, which will take place at more than 30 locations across Macon. Law enforcement officers and residents will gather for food, fellowship and information about crime prevention and neighborhood-watch programs.

“We have barbecues, we have fried fish, we have hot dogs and hamburgers,” said Judy Gordon, neighborhood watch coordinator for the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. “We go out and give very important information about how you can become part of the neighborhood watch.”

Two decades of crime prevention

Night to Unite has been held in Macon for about two decades as a crime-prevention effort focused on young people and stronger community relationships.

Gerald Leroy, a Macon resident involved with the neighborhood watch, said adults need to lead by example.

“We have to set an example, not just talk about it,” Leroy said. “Be an example for the children, for the younger generation. Not just talk — they want to see action.”

Homicides declined

At the beginning of the year, Macon-Bibb County officials said homicides fell from 72 in 2022 to 29 in 2025. They also reported an 87% decline in homicides involving people younger than 18 during that period.

Sheriff David Davis said events such as Night to Unite can help reinforce the importance of neighbors supporting one another.

“To re-emphasize the importance of neighborliness and staying together and looking out for each other,” Davis said.

Davis said he did not have the county’s exact 2026 crime figures available but described the overall trend as positive.

“Overall, our crime numbers are way down from last year,” Davis said. “We still do have a little bit of issue of younger teenagers — 13, 14, 15 — that get involved in some criminal activity. But we’ve seen some declines in that.”