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DeKalb says $30 million invested in 'digital shield' public‑safety push; recruitment and crime metrics cited
Summary
CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson outlined a $30 million investment in a digital public‑safety initiative — including a real‑time crime center, drone first responders, license‑plate readers and expanded camera networks — and cited improved recruitment and crime reductions.
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson said the administration has invested more than $30 million in a suite of public‑safety measures she described as a "digital shield," meant to improve response times and reduce crime.
Johnson listed components of the investment: a real‑time crime center to consolidate data and intelligence, a drone first‑responder program, strategically placed automatic license‑plate readers and a growing camera network across business corridors. She said the county is focusing resources in high‑crime areas and thanked private partners who have contributed surveillance and monitoring technology.
Johnson cited early results: "We've seen over a 300% increase in police recruitment since taking office in 2025," she said, adding that officer retention is up 98% and reporting an 11% decline in violent crime and a 25% decline in property crime in early measures.
Context: The CEO framed the investments as part of a broader public‑safety and economic‑development strategy: safer corridors support businesses, insurance availability and local investment. She acknowledged community concerns about surveillance and emphasized targeted deployment in high‑need areas.
Next steps: Officials said deployment will continue and that more details on program evaluation and civil‑liberties safeguards will be released as operations expand.
