Police work toward more private technology partnerships

Some businesses and property owners are integrating their own private technology with DeKalb County Police Department to “fight crime and help during emergencies,” according to officials.

Officials with DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) recently announced that several local apartment communities, including Highlands at East Atlanta, have invested in security robots provided by Atlanta-based Undaunted Robotic Security. “Working collaboratively with DKPD, these privately-owned security resources have been integrated into the department’s broader public safety strategy to improve situational awareness and support emergency response,” stated law enforcement.

According to Undaunted Robotic Security’s website, the robots are designed to “deter threats from communities, retail complexes, construction sites and more.” The autonomous security robots patrol 24/7 and allow for two-way audio responses, states the website.

“When a qualifying call for service or critical incident occurs, authorized personnel in DKPD’s Real-Time Crime Center may access live audio and video feeds from participating robotic security systems,” explained DKPD officials. “This real-time information allows officers and crime analysts to assess developing situations before officers arrive, enhancing officer safety and supporting faster, more informed operational decisions.”

In one recent investigation, investigators were assisted by video captured by the robotic security system and were able to identify and arrest a suspect involved in a murder case, according to law enforcement.

However, privately owned and operated surveillance technology used by police has recently faced backlash – and led to arrests of members of law enforcement due to suspected abuse of these systems.

In July, a DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office deputy was fired and arrested for alleged misuse of tracking and video recording technology.

According to officials with the sheriff’s office, former Sgt. Kabiru Salawu was arrested and charged with felony violation of oath of office and misdemeanor misuse of license plate data on July 17.

The charges stem from an internal investigation that revealed Salawu had allegedly used Flock Safety technology when he was not authorized to do so, officials said.

But members of DKPD said technological partnerships within the community “do not involve continuous monitoring by the DeKalb County Police Department.”

“All access to integrated technologies within the Real-Time Crime Center is governed by department policy, user accountability, and audit procedures designed to ensure appropriate and authorized use,” said officials.

The Real-Time Crime Center integrates multiple technologies, including drones equipped with infrared and night vision capabilities; automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras; Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) camera feeds; and video from participating businesses throughout the county. “The addition of robotic security systems further enhances DKPD’s ability to gather real-time information, improve officer safety, and respond more effectively to incidents,” law enforcement stated.

“Public safety is strongest when police, residents, and private partners work together,” said DeKalb County Police Chief Greg Padrick. “Partnerships like this help us respond more effectively, improve officer safety, and enhance the quality of life throughout DeKalb County. We appreciate community partners who are willing to invest alongside us in making our neighborhoods safer. Innovation is most effective when it is paired with transparency, accountability, and a shared commitment to serving our community.”

For more information, visit https://dekalbcountyga.gov/departments/public-safety/police.