Detective Dara Shapland has dedicated the past seven years to serving with the Athens�Clarke County Police Department, the last three of which have been spent as a detective in

the department’s Special Victims Unit (SVU). In this role, she specializes in investigating

cases of sexual assault, crimes against children, and family violence, bringing compassion

and a meticulous approach to her work.

Det. Shapland has completed over 200 hours of advanced training focused on family

violence and sexual assault investigations, equipping her with the expertise to handle some

of the most sensitive and challenging cases. Her commitment to protecting vulnerable

populations extends to her involvement with the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children

(ICAC) Task Force, which investigates reports of online child sexual exploitation.

Before embarking on her law enforcement career, Det. Shapland graduated from the

University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in International AQairs. Her academic

background provides her with a global perspective and strong analytical skills, which

enhance her investigative abilities.

Det. Shapland’s dedication to justice, continuous professional development, and

unwavering focus on victim advocacy make her a respected figure within her department

and the broader law enforcement community.