Atlanta county approves $18.9M camera program to increase safety and surveillance.

DeKalb County officials have recently taken a major step towards improving public safety in the area. This includes an $18.9 million investment in new technology that will expand the use of automated license plate recognition cameras and real-time investigative tools throughout the county. This initiative, known as Digital Shield, was officially launched by County CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson after receiving unanimous approval from the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners.

The technology will come from Flock Safety, a highly regarded public safety company known for their automated license plate recognition systems used by law enforcement agencies across the nation. The purpose of this new system is to assist investigators in identifying stolen vehicles, locating suspects, and generating leads by collecting license plate data and sharing it in real-time with other participating law enforcement agencies. Cochran Johnson praised the initiative, stating that it is all about protecting every corner of DeKalb and providing residents with the peace of mind they deserve.

She believes this investment is a defining moment for the county's approach to public safety. According to county officials, the cameras will be strategically installed at locations that have been identified through public safety data, such as major roadways, neighborhood entrances, and high-traffic intersections. This technology will also integrate with the Real Time Crime Center in DeKalb and allow for collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions that also use Flock Safety's platform.

The county has also promised to implement policies that promote transparency, accountability, and responsible management of collected data. This investment is just one part of a larger public safety strategy under Cochran Johnson's administration. Other recent efforts include increasing police officer pay and benefits, expanding recruitment initiatives, and investing in officer training and retention.

Cochran Johnson expressed her gratitude towards the Board of Commissioners for unanimously approving the funding, stating that it shows DeKalb's commitment to strengthening public safety and protecting its residents. The implementation of the Digital Shield initiative will begin immediately, with county officials expecting full deployment within the next year. While this technology has been widely adopted by law enforcement agencies to support criminal investigations and recover stolen vehicles, it has also sparked discussions among privacy advocates regarding data retention, oversight, and civil liberties.

DeKalb County officials have assured the public that the Digital Shield initiative includes safeguards to ensure transparency and ethical use of the technology. This investment in public safety technology marks a significant step forward for DeKalb County and its approach to protecting its residents. With Digital Shield and other ongoing efforts, the county is taking bold steps towards creating a safer and more secure community for all.