Commissioners approve millions in new technology to fight crime

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved funding an initiative by CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson that will deploy new camera technology throughout the county to strengthen public safety. 

On Sept. 24, Cochran-Johnson announced the launch of Digital Shield, a $18.9 million countywide initiative that will deploy Flock Safety technology. According to Flock Safety’s website, the company is a manufacturer and operator of security hardware and software, particularly automated license plate recognition, video surveillance, and gunfire locator systems, as well as software to integrate the data gathered by these technologies. 

In DeKalb County, the Digital Shield initiative will “leverage advanced license plate recognition and real-time data sharing to help police track stolen vehicles, identify suspects, and provide leads during investigations” in part through “cameras that will be strategically placed along major corridors, neighborhood entry points, and high-traffic intersections to ensure broad coverage,” stated county officials in a press release. 

“Digital Shield is about protecting every corner of DeKalb,” said Cochran-Johnson, who touted enhancing public safety as one of her focuses when elected last year. “This unprecedented investment gives our police department the tools to prevent crime, solve cases faster, and give residents the peace of mind they deserve. This is a defining moment for how we reimagine public safety in our county.” 

In a statement addressed to partners and stakeholders about the initiative, Cochran-Johnson said advanced cameras, drones and real-time analytics will be used to “ensure safer streets without adding strain to public safety personnel.” 

She also stated that the initiative will include: 

• More than 300 cameras operating 24/7 providing more than 2.6 million hours of surveillance coverage annually. 

• Four drones deployed as first responders. 

• Collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions that already use Flock technology. 

• Integration into the county’s planned Real Time Crime Center to unify camera feeds, license plate recognition, gunshot detection and other technology. 

Officials said more information about safeguards to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical data use with the new technology would be forthcoming.  

Implementation of Digital Shield will begin immediately, with full deployment expected within the next year, stated county officials.