DeKalb County has launched “Digital Shield,” an $18.9 million public safety initiative that will use Flock Safety technology to enhance crime prevention efforts across the county. The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the investment, making the county a leader in technology-driven approaches to public safety within metro Atlanta.
“Digital Shield is about protecting every corner of DeKalb,” said CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson. “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.”
The new program will utilize advanced license plate recognition and real-time data sharing to assist police in tracking stolen vehicles, identifying suspects, and generating leads during investigations. Cameras will be installed at key locations such as major corridors, neighborhood entry points, and busy intersections.
Features of Digital Shield include countywide deployment of Flock cameras at data-identified sites, integration with the Real Time Crime Center for live monitoring and investigations, collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions using similar technology, and measures to ensure transparency and ethical use of data.
CEO Cochran Johnson’s administration has previously focused on improving public safety by reallocating funds for increased pay and benefits for police officers. These changes have helped make DeKalb one of the most competitive law enforcement employers in metro Atlanta. Additional priorities have included recruitment initiatives, officer training programs, and retention strategies.
“I want to thank the Board for unanimously approving this investment. With Digital Shield, and through our ongoing commitment to supporting and investing in our officers, DeKalb is taking bold steps to strengthen public safety and protect the security of our residents,” said Cochran Johnson.
Implementation of Digital Shield will start immediately with full deployment expected within a year. More information about DeKalb County’s partnership with Flock Technology can be found at DeKalb County’s Digital Shield Initiative.
Meanwhile, recent data shows that enrollment at DeKalb County schools dropped by 2.2% during the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous year (https://www.gadoe.org/). In total, 98,287 students were enrolled in county schools during that period (https://www.gadoe.org/). White students represented 14% of all students enrolled in DeKalb County schools in 2022-23 (https://www.gadoe.org/).
