DKPD, apartment communities partner to expand public safety by integrating real-time crime fighting technology

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) is strengthening its community-centered policing by partnering with apartment communities that are investing in technology to help create safer neighborhoods, officials announced this week. 

Several apartment communities, including Highlands at East Atlanta, recently invested in security robots provided by Atlanta-based Undaunted Robotic Security to enhance safety for its residents. 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.

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. 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. 

“Public safety is strongest when police, residents, and private partners work together,” said DKPD 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.”

The Real-Time Crime Center supports officers responding to calls for service by integrating 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, DeKalb officials sa. 

DeKalb County officials said the robotic security systems will remain privately-owned and operated by the participating apartment communities and the partnership does not involve continuous monitoring by the DeKalb County Police Department. Rather, the partnership provides authorized access to live audio and video through privately-owned security resources only during qualifying incidents to support emergency response and public safety. All access to integrated technologies within DKPD’s Real-Time Crime Center is governed by department policy, user accountability, and audit procedures designed to ensure appropriate and authorized use.